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01-09-2012 | Original Article

Can we predict the prognosis of resectable hepatoblastoma from serum alpha-fetoprotein response during preoperative chemotherapy?

Authors: Hiroaki Fukuzawa, Naoto Urushihara, Koji Fukumoto, Maki Mitsunaga, Kentaro Watanabe, Takeshi Aoba, Shinya Yamoto, Hiromu Miyake, Shiro Hasegawa

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 9/2012

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study was to clarify whether the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) reduction rate during preoperative chemotherapy represents a prognostic factor for hepatoblastoma.

Method

We divided 14 hepatoblastoma patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and curative resection into Group A (no recurrence; n = 10) and Group B (recurrence; n = 4). We then compared AFP levels before and after preoperative chemotherapy between groups.

Result

Mean AFP level after completing the first cycle of chemotherapy was reduced to 7.28 % (range 1.2–36.8 %) in Group A and 17.05 % (range 12.0–20.5 %) in Group B (p < 0.05). Mean AFP after total preoperative chemotherapy was reduced to 1.42 % (range 0.07–8.5 %) in Group A and 7.55 % (range 3.4–12.4 %) in Group B (p < 0.02). Eight patients in whom AFP levels decreased >1 log after the first cycle of preoperative chemotherapy survived without recurrence.

Conclusion

A large, early decrease in AFP level during preoperative chemotherapy may offer a strong indicator of survival. Patients in whom AFP levels do not decrease easily during preoperative chemotherapy may have increased risk of recurrence and should be followed very closely.

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Title: Can we predict the prognosis of resectable hepatoblastoma from serum alpha-fetoprotein response during preoperative chemotherapy?
Authors: Hiroaki Fukuzawa
Naoto Urushihara
Koji Fukumoto
Maki Mitsunaga
Kentaro Watanabe
Takeshi Aoba
Shinya Yamoto
Hiromu Miyake
Shiro Hasegawa
Publication date: 01-09-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 9/2012
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-012-3139-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Can we predict the prognosis of resectable hepatoblastoma from serum alpha-fetoprotein response during preoperative chemotherapy?

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Result

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Result

Conclusion

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