Serum Alpha-fetoprotein Level Per Tumor Volume Reflects Prognosis In Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Hepatectomy

Objective:This study aimed to assess the prognostic reliability of serum AFP levels per tumor volume (AFP/volume) after curative resection.Methods:Collecting data of fifty patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative hepatectomy of our Hospital form2005to2008, which were analyzed with reference to serum AFP levels diagnosis. Clinicopathological data included presence of tumor size and number of HCCs. Tumor volume for HCCs was calculated preoperatively by Computed tomography volumetry, and AFP/volume was calculated by dividing serum AFP level by tumor volume.Results:A significant correlation existed between serum AFP levels and size (P=0.000, r=0.611) of HCCs, a significant correlation existed between serum AFP levels and number (P=0.033, r=0.452) of HCCs. A significant coiTelation existed between serum AFP levels and both differentiation(P=0.000) and tumor stage(P=0.000) of HCCs. NO significant correlation between AFP/volume and both differentiation(P=0.149) and tumor stage(P=0.509) of HCCs. Median values of AFP/volume in patients who displayed recurrence by1year and6months were3.6and1.9, respectively.Conclusions:AFP/volume represents a better prognostic indicator for patients with HCC than serum AFP value alone. In particular, patients with AFP/volume>3.6are likely to experience recurrence within6months after curative hepatectomy.