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- Title
Can we predict the prognosis of resectable hepatoblastoma from serum alpha-fetoprotein response during preoperative chemotherapy?
- Authors
Fukuzawa, Hiroaki; Urushihara, Naoto; Fukumoto, Koji; Mitsunaga, Maki; Watanabe, Kentaro; Aoba, Takeshi; Yamoto, Shinya; Miyake, Hiromu; Hasegawa, Shiro
- Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to clarify whether the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) reduction rate during preoperative chemotherapy represents a prognostic factor for hepatoblastoma. Method: We divided 14 hepatoblastoma patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and curative resection into Group A (no recurrence; n = 10) and Group B (recurrence; n = 4). We then compared AFP levels before and after preoperative chemotherapy between groups. Result: Mean AFP level after completing the first cycle of chemotherapy was reduced to 7.28 % (range 1.2-36.8 %) in Group A and 17.05 % (range 12.0-20.5 %) in Group B ( p < 0.05). Mean AFP after total preoperative chemotherapy was reduced to 1.42 % (range 0.07-8.5 %) in Group A and 7.55 % (range 3.4-12.4 %) in Group B ( p < 0.02). Eight patients in whom AFP levels decreased >1 log after the first cycle of preoperative chemotherapy survived without recurrence. Conclusion: A large, early decrease in AFP level during preoperative chemotherapy may offer a strong indicator of survival. Patients in whom AFP levels do not decrease easily during preoperative chemotherapy may have increased risk of recurrence and should be followed very closely.
- Subjects
ALPHA fetoproteins; CANCER chemotherapy; CANCER relapse; LIVER cancer; LIVER surgery; BLOOD proteins; MEDICAL statistics
- Publication
Pediatric Surgery International, 2012, Vol 28, Issue 9, p887
- ISSN
0179-0358
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00383-012-3139-x