Korean J Hepatol.
1998 Dec;4(4):346-357.
Serum Concentration of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1)
in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with Low AFP
Abstract
- BACKGROUND/AIMS
In HCC with low AFP. we have to use repeated imaging study to
evaluate residual viable rumor or recurrence after TACE ( transarterial chemoembolization).
We performed the study to know that sICAM-1 in HCC can be a tumor marker of diagnosis
and has cor relation with tumor size or clinical staging. The results were compared with PIVKA- ,
an another tumor marker of HCC.
METHODS
Previously untreat ed 39 pat ients with HCC were evaluated. Serum sICAM- 1,
AFP and PIVKA-II were measured by EIA, immunoradiometric assay and EIA, respectively.
Tumor size were meas ured by abdominal CT and angiogr aphy.
RESULTS
Range of sICAM- 1 levels with HCC patients were 189.0 to 983.6 ng/ mL,
and mean value was 668.3+- 254.4 ng/ mL. Thirty four of the 39 patients (87.2%)
with HCC showed sICAM- 1 levels higher than 306.4 ng/ mL (mean of 131 healt hy
controls + 2SD level). Range of PIVKA-II level with HCC patients were 25.3 to 2,779.3mAU/nL,
and mean value was 1,340.1+-1,091.1mAU/mL. seven of the 39 patients(94.9%) with HCC
showde PIVKA-II levels higher than 40mAU/mL. Range of AFP levels with HCC patients were
4.2 to 57,520ng/mL, and mean value was 4,215.6+-10,807.2ng/mL. 10 patients (26%) showed
AFP lower than 20ng/mL, and 17 patients(44%) were AFP lower than 100ng/mL.
All of the 17 patients with alphaFP lower than 100ng/mL had s ICAM-1 levels more than
reference range (mean of 131 healt hy cont r ols + 2 SD level), and PIVKA-II levels
also more than reference range. Positive correlation was observed between PIVKA-II level
and tumor size in 18 patients without vascular invasion. Accor ding t o HCC clinical staging,
10 patients (25.6%) belonged clinical stage II. 5 pat ients (12.8%) III, 24 pat ients (61.5%)
IV. Both of PIVKA-II and sICAM-1 levels of stage showed significantly higher than stage II.
PIVKA-II showed more positive correlation with tumor size and clinical stage than sICAM- 1.
No correlation was found between AFP and sICAM-1, and positive correlation was AFP and PIVKA-II.
CONCLUSION
In HCC patients with low AFP, sICAM-1 and PIVKA-II correlated with tumor size
and clinical stage. sICAM-1 and PIVKA-II may be a useful marker of diagnosis. So, we need
to further study to evaluate whether sICAM- 1 and PIVKA-II can be used as a marker of disease
progression or prognosis.