Background/Aims
Des-γ-carboxy prothrombin(DCP), a protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II(PIVKA-II), and Lens culinaris agglutinin-A reactive AFP-L3 have been reported to be useful markers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, both the PIVKA-II and AFP-L3 were analyzed and compared with a conventional AFP to determine its usefulness, specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of HCC. Methods: Sera were collected from 108 patients consisting of 17 patients with chronic hepatitis, 22 patients with liver cirrhosis and 69 patients with HCC. The AFP-L3 was determined by an lectin affinity electrophoresis coupled with an antibody-affinity blotting. Level of DCP was measured by an enzyme immunoassay with an anti-DCP monoclonal antibody. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of PIVKA-II and AFP L3 were 49.3% and 89.5%, and 32.5% and 85.7%, respectively. No significant correlation was found between the PIVKA-II or AFP L3 and serum AFP. No correlation was found between the PIVKA-II or AFP L3 and the characteristics of HCC. Conclusion: The determination of plasma DCP and AFP L3 levels combined with AFP levels may be useful especially for the differential diagnosis between HCC and chronic liver diseases without HCC.(Korean J Hepatol 2000;6:205-214)
