Hepatocellular cancer
Diagnosis
The alpha-fetoprotein may be elevated; however, its positive predictive value is low and it may be elevated in patients with cirrhosis.[1]
Treatment
Hepatocellular cancer treatment information from the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query
Prognosis
Staging information
Hepatocellular cancer staging information from the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query
Screening
"In a mixed-aetiology cohort, the most effective surveillance strategy is to screen each patient with AFP assay and ultrasound imaging on a 6-monthly basis" according to a systematic review by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme (UK). [2]
In a randomized controlled trial, the relative risk ratio of biannual alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasonography, as compared to no screening, for mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.6 and the relative risk reduction was 36.7%. In populations similar to those in this study which had a rate of risk as measured by the mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma of 0.1315% without treatment, the number needed to treat is 2070. [3]
References
- ↑ Tong MJ, Blatt LM, Kao VW (2001). "Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic viral hepatitis in the United States of America.". J Gastroenterol Hepatol 16 (5): 553-9. PMID 11350553.
- ↑ Thompson Coon J, Rogers G, Hewson P, Wright D, Anderson R, Cramp M et al. (2007). "Surveillance of cirrhosis for hepatocellular carcinoma: systematic review and economic analysis.". Health Technol Assess 11 (34): 1-206. PMID 17767898. [e]
- ↑ Zhang BH, Yang BH, Tang ZY (2004). "Randomized controlled trial of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma.". J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 130 (7): 417-22. DOI:10.1007/s00432-004-0552-0. PMID 15042359. Research Blogging.