ASSESSMENT OF PROGNOSTIC PARAMETERS IN ALPHAFETOPROTEIN POSITIVE HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA PATIENTS

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Dinçer S., Delik A., Karaoğullarından Ü., Orhan U., Göv E.

10th. International African Conference on Contemporary Scientific Research, Nairobi, Kenya, 19 Ocak - 21 Şubat 2026, ss.125-126, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Nairobi
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Kenya
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.125-126
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction and Purpose: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a widely used biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in AFP-positive cases where it often reflects tumor burden and biological aggressiveness. However, AFP levels alone are insufficient for comprehensive prognostic assessment. This study aims to evaluate the relationships among demographic, clinical, imaging, and laboratory parameters in AFP-positive HCC patients, and to identify independent prognostic indicators such as tumor size, portal vein thrombosis (PVT), liver function, and inflammatory/metabolic markers.

Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-center study included patients diagnosed with HCC who were AFP-positive at baseline. Evaluated variables included age, sex, etiology, Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score, ascites, varices, cirrhosis, steatosis on ultrasonography, tumor localization and segment involvement, largest tumor diameter, and presence of PVT. Laboratory parameters comprised AFP, complete blood count (WBC, HGB, HCT, PLT), liver function tests (albumin, bilirubin, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH), renal markers (BUN, creatinine), metabolic indicators (glucose, Na, K, Ca), inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), iron metabolism (ferritin), thyroid hormones (TSH, T4), lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL), and autoantibodies (ANA, SMA, AMA). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, intergroup comparisons, and multivariate regression to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results: A total of 11 AFP-positive HCC patients were analyzed. The majority were male (63,6%), with a mean age of 65 ± 9.42 years. HBV was the most common etiology (45,5%), followed by Cryptogenic (27,3%) and MASLD (9,1%). Patients with advanced CTP class exhibited higher rates of cirrhosis (72,7%), ascites (45,5%), hypoalbuminemia (3,45±0,75), and thrombocytopenia (196±136). Larger tumor diameter was significantly associated with PVT (5,36 cm). Elevated AFP levels correlated with increased tumor burden and advanced BCLC stage. Inflammatory markers (CRP, LDH) and ferritin showed positive associations with tumor size and progression. Metabolic abnormalities and steatosis were more frequent in MASLD-related cases. Multivariate analysis identified tumor size >5 cm, presence of PVT, and hypoalbuminemia as independent predictors of poor prognosis.

Discussion and Conclusion: In AFP-positive HCC patients, tumor burden, vascular invasion, and liver function parameters are critical for prognostic evaluation. AFP levels should be interpreted alongside imaging and biochemical markers to guide clinical decision-making. The presence of PVT and hypoalbuminemia are strong indicators of adverse outcomes, while inflammatory and metabolic profiles provide complementary insights into disease progression and etiology. These findings support a multiparametric approach for risk stratification and therapeutic planning in AFP-positive HCC.