Evaluation of Human Epidermal Growth Factor as a Tumor Marker in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Related to Hepatitis C Virus

Amal Ahmed Mohamed
2016 Advanced Research in Gastroenterology & Hepatology  
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The primary marker for HCC is Alpha fetoprotein (AFP), however, AFP is not secreted in all cases of HCC and may be normal in as many as 40% of patients with early HCC. Therefore, it was necessary to identify new HCC markers that have a sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of HCC patients. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a mitogen for hepatocytes,
more » ... mounting evidence supports a role for EGF in malignant transformation, tumor growth and progression. Aim: The objective of this study was to detect the diagnostic ability of hEGF concentration in serum of cirrhosis and HCC patients as a Tumor marker. Methods: This study was carried out on 150 individuals divided into 3 groups; 50 control, 50 Cirrhotic and 50 HCC, all three groups were investigated for liver function tests, and markers of liver injury, HCC patients were screened by Triphasic Computed Tomography (CT), also determination of EGF and AFP in serum of all individuals were performed using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The serum level of EGF was significantly increased in HCC group as compared to liver cirrhosis and healthy control group. The best cut off value was 299pg/ml of EGF which had sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 88% respectively in comparison to AFP which have sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 62% at cut off 21ng/ml. As far as we know this is the first study on serum EGF as a tumour marker for HCC. Conclusion: EGF has higher sensitivity and specificity than AFP in HCC patients, so it can be used as a useful HCC marker.
doi:10.19080/argh.2016.01.555565 fatcat:koqsypzjzvg3fagd62v3s5wyvm