Initial Alpha-Fetoprotein Response Predicts Prognosis in Hepatitis B-related Solitary HCC Patients after Radiofrequency Ablation

Su Jong Yu, Jee Hye Kwon, Won Kim, Jung Hwan Yoon, Jeong Min Lee, Jae Young Lee, Eun Ju Cho, Jeong Hoon Lee, Hwi Young Kim, Yong Jin Jung, Yoon Jun Kim

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14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma but recurrence is problem. Goals: To identify prognostic factors including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for overall survival and intrahepatic recurrence after RFA. Patients and Methods: Not only naïve but also previously treated patients with solitary hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma <5 cm were prospectively enrolled and a ≥50% decrease from baseline to 1 month after RFA was defined as an initial AFP response. Tumor responses were assessed by the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. Results: Among 255 patients, 156 patients (61.2%) developed intrahepatic recurrence. Radiologic progression occurred in 54.8% (86/157) in the AFP responders and 71.4% (70/98) in the AFP nonresponders. In multivariate analysis, a history of previous treatment [hazard ratio (HR), 2.037; P=0.015 for percutaneous ethanol injection vs. none; and HR, 2.642; P<0.001 for transarterial chemoembolization vs. none] and an initial AFP nonresponse (HR, 1.899; P<0.001) were independent predictors of accelerated progression after RFA. Moreover, those who had a history of previous treatment and did not achieve an initial AFP response had significantly unfavorable overall survival (HR, 3.581; P<0.001) and the increased risk of intrahepatic remote recurrence (HR, 5.385; P<0.001) compared with those with an initial AFP response and no history of previous treatment. Conclusions: Biological response evaluation by the measurement of serial AFP levels is a useful predictor of overall survival and intrahepatic remote recurrence after RFA. Therefore, an initial AFP response may aid in determining the need of closer follow-up as a therapeutic response indicator of RFA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e18-e26
JournalJournal of Clinical Gastroenterology
Volume52
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Supported by the Industrial Strategic Technology Development Pro-gram (#10045352) (MSIP & MKE, Korea) and the Liver Research Foundation of Korea.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • alpha-fetoprotein
  • hepatocellular carcinoma
  • radiofrequency ablation
  • recurrence

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