Squamous cell carcinoma antigen-IgM is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: A prospective study. Issue 2 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biasiolo, Alessandra; Trotta, Elisa; Fasolato, Silvano; Ruvoletto, Mariagrazia; Martini, Andrea; Gallotta, Andrea; Fassina, Giorgio; Angeli, Paolo; Gatta, Angelo; Pontisso, Patrizia
• Is Part Of: Digestive and liver disease. Volume 48:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 202
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Biomarker -- Circulating immunocomplexes -- Hepatocellular carcinoma; Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.10.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1590-8658

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA)-IgM complex has been described as a promising tool to identify patients with progressive liver disease at higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in retrospective studies. Aim: To assess the clinical value of this biomarker in patients with cirrhosis in a prospective study. Methods: Patients with overt cirrhosis were prospectively evaluated at 6-month intervals for HCC development and decompensation with clinical examination, liver ultrasound, α-fetoprotein measurement. SCCA-IgM was measured in serum by immunoenzymatic assay. Median follow-up duration was 52 months (range 12–68 months). Results: 70 patients (26% male; mean age 56 ± 10 years) were enrolled. The main aetiological factors were alcohol (44%) and hepatitis C (34%). Baseline values of SCCA-IgM were significantly higher in patients who developed HCC. Positivity of the biomarker at baseline was associated with a significantly shorter HCC-free survival, while α-fetoprotein (cut off >20 ng/ml) was not significant. SCCA-IgM positivity and hepatitis C were significant prognostic factors for HCC development. The biomarker was not associated with the development of clinical complications of cirrhosis. Conclusion: This prospective study demonstrates that in patients with cirrhosis SCCA-IgM is associated with HCC development and may be useful for clinical management of cirrhotic patients at higher risk of HCC development.