Combination of serum tumor markers dickkopf-1, DCP and AFP for the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma
10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.03.016
- Author:
Qi-Fan QIN
1
;
Gan-Xin XU
1
;
Chun-Ming CHEN
1
;
Jie WENG
2
;
Chang-Ku JIA
3
Author Information
1. Department of General Surgery, Lingao County People's Hospital
2. Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University
3. Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Diagnosis;
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma;
Tumor markers
- From:
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
2017;10(4):409-413
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the detection accuracy of the biomarkers dickkopf-1, DCP and AFP as a serum biomarker panel by comparing the sensitivity of the panel with those of the individual biomarkers. Methods The study was composed of three groups, one with HCC patients, one with non-HCC liver diseases and one with healthy controls. Serum AFP was measured using a chemiluminescence assay and serum dickkopf-1 and DCP were measured with ELISA. The sensitivity and specificity of the biomarkers were analyzed as single parameters and as a serum panel. Results The HCC group showed higher levels of dickkopf-1, DCP and AFP than the other two groups (P < 0.05). Dickkopf-1 showed better sensitivity (73.26% vs. 58.13%, P < 0.05) and better specificity (44.0% vs. 29.0%, P < 0.05) than AFP. DCP also had better sensitivity (74.42% vs. 58.13%, P < 0.05) than AFP, but their specificity was similar (30.00% vs. 29.00%, P > 0.05). The combination of the biomarkers as a serum panel produced much better sensitivity (93.02%) and specificity (78.00%) than each of the markers individually (P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of AFP, DCP and dickkopf-1 as a biomarker panel can significantly improve the detection power with much higher sensitivity and specificity for HCC than any of the biomarkers alone. The tests are convenient and inexpensive, and may serve as a valuable addition to current options for the diagnosis of HCC.
