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J. A. Marrero, Z. Feng, Y. Wang, M. H. Nguyen, A. S. L. R. Roberts, K. R. Reddy, D. Harnois, J. M. Llovet, D. Normolle, J. Dalhgren, D. Chia, A. S. Lok, P. D. Wagner, S. Srivastava and M. Schwartz, “Alpha-Fetoprotein, Des-Gamma Carboxyprothrombin, and Lectin-Bound Alpha-Fetoprotein in Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma,” Gastroenterology, Vol. 137, No. 1, 2007, pp. 110-118.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment in a Referral Centre

  AUTHORS: Raphael Raphe, Willian J. Duca, Paulo C. Arroyo Jr., Rita C. da Silva, Renato F. da Silva

  KEYWORDS: Hepatocellular Carcinoma; Epidemiology; Risk Factors; Liver Cancer; Hepatitis; Alcohol

  JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Cancer Therapy, Vol.4 No.2A, February 28, 2013

  ABSTRACT: Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary neoplasm of the liver and a significant cause of mortality in patients with cirrhosis. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to analyze epidemiological aspects related to risk factors, diagnosis, staging and first-line treatment in a closed population. Methods: The medical records of patients seen between November 1998 and May 2011 were revisited. Results: Of the 272 patients included in this study, 229 (84.2%) were male and the average age was 57.1 years (standard deviation 10.9 years). The most common etiology was hepatitis C virus infection in 145 (55.1%) patients, with this being the single cause in 88 (33.4%) patients. The largest masses ranged from 6 mm to 260 mm in diameter with a mean of 61.4 mm (standard deviation 41.5 mm). Only one mass was found in 145 (64.2%) cases, two masses in 26 (11.5%), three masses in 9 (4%) and 46 patients (20.3%) had multifocal disease. Early stage disease was diagnosed in 47 patients (22.0%), advanced stage in 65 (30.4%) and terminal stage in 32 (14.9%). Hepatocellular carcinoma was found by chance in 11%. Diagnosis was by means of imaging in 175 (68.1%) cases. The level of alpha-fetoprotein was measured in 209 patients, with 29.2% having levels lower than 20 ng/mL and 34.9% having levels above 400 ng/mL. Specific treatment was administered in 236 patients (86.8%) with hepatic chemoembolization in 127 (46.7%) and liver transplantation in 72 (26.5%); of these 33 (45.8%) received hepatic chemoembolization as a bridge to transplantation. Thirty-four patients (12.5%) received only supportive therapy. Conclusions: Patients are chiefly male and disease involvement generally occurs in the 5th decade of life. Cirrhosis was present in most patients and hepatitis C virus infection was the commonest etiologic agent. Only one imaging examination was required for diagnosis in most patients. The measurement of alpha-fetoprotein levels did not prove to be a good tool in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Intermediate, advanced and terminal stages predominated compared to early stages. Treatment was based on non-curative therapies.