Normal Alpha-fetoprotein Levels Research Articles

Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Impact on Fibrosis Risk in Inactive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are significant causes of chronic liver disease, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, the coexistence of CHB and NAFLD is increasingly common, although the relationship between NAFLD and inactive CHB infection remains poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD among patients with inactive CHB, identify risk factors for NAFLD, and determine predictors of significant fibrosis in these patients. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study targeted patients with inactive CHB at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital from January 2010 to November 2021. Results: A total of 425 patients with inactive CHB were identified, of which 53.1% were male and 62.6% were aged 40-60 years. The prevalence of NAFLD was 47.8%. Various independent factors were associated with NAFLD, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, elevated low-density lipoprotein levels, high hemoglobin levels, low platelet counts, and normal alpha-fetoprotein levels. Significant associations were noted between NAFLD and significant fibrosis, with 10.5% of CHB patients with NAFLD exhibiting significant fibrosis compared to 1.4% of those without NAFLD. Other significant parameters included male gender, increased age, high alanine transaminase levels, elevated hemoglobin, and decreased platelet levels. Conclusions: The high prevalence of NAFLD in patients with inactive CHB and its associations with increased fibrosis and cirrhosis risk underscore the need for comprehensive management strategies for these patients.

High serum alpha-fetoprotein and positive immunohistochemistry of alpha-fetoprotein are related to poor prognosis of gastric cancer with liver metastasis

Liver metastasis in gastric cancer is incurable. Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer has a poor prognosis and is prone to liver metastasis. We investigated the association between preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, liver metastasis, and expression of primitive enterocyte phenotype markers. We reviewed the medical records of 401 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative surgical resection and immunohistochemically evaluated the primitive phenotype markers. The preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were elevated and normal in 8 and 393 patients, respectively. Liver metastasis was more frequent in patients with higher preoperative alpha-fetoprotein levels. The 5-year postoperative recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates were significantly worse in patients with higher preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Although alpha-fetoprotein and Glypican3 and Spalt-like transcription factor 4 tended to be stained with high preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, these markers were also positive in some patients with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels. In summary, patients with gastric cancer and high preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels have a poor prognosis and high incidence of liver metastasis. Alpha-fetoprotein can help detect liver metastasis relating to the primitive enterocyte phenotype.

Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of Liver- A Rare Case Entity

Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver (UESL) is a rare hepatic malignant mesenchymal neoplasm in the paediatric population, typically affecting children between 6-10 years of age without sex predilection. It accounts for 9-15% of paediatric liver malignancies, with an incidence of 0.6-1.2 cases per one million patients. Here, the authors present a case of an 11-year-old male, who presented with right upper quadrant pain, loss of appetite for the past one month, and high-grade fever for the past three days. On examination, a firm mass in the right hypochondrium and epigastrium, about 4 cm below the right costal margin, was noted, moving with respiration. Blood work showed normal values and normal alpha-fetoprotein levels. An ultrasonogram revealed a cystic lesion, while a contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed a large hepatic space-occupying lesion with cystic and solid architecture, with the following differential diagnosis as, embryonal sarcoma and hepatoblastoma. The patient underwent surgery for a hepatic hydatid cyst, and the procedure performed was percutaneous aspiration, irrigation and respiration. Gross examination revealed multiple grey-brown and grey-white fragments with a variegated appearance. Microscopic analysis showed a malignant neoplasm composed of spindle cells, stellate cells, multinucleated giant cells in a myxoid stroma, with many atypical mitoses present. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) positive eosinophilic hyaline globules were observed in the tumour cell cytoplasm, along with extensive areas of haemorrhage and necrosis. The final diagnosis of embryonal sarcoma was made after a panel of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers. The present case is presented here due to its rarity and diagnostic challenge, arising from the lack of a characteristic clinical presentation, serological markers and inconclusive radiological findings.

Growing teratoma syndrome in an adolescent with a testicular germ cell tumor: a case report

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a condition characterized by a paradoxical increase in tumor size during or after chemotherapy and/or surgical treatment for germ cell tumors. Due to its relative rarity, GTS may be misinterpreted as disease progression. However, a decrease in tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)) in the blood, a paradoxical increase in tumor size during chemotherapy, and a verified histological diagnosis of mature teratoma after the tumor removal confirm GTS. Here we report a clinical case of a patient in whom we observed a decrease in tumor markers (AFP and hCG) in the blood during treatment, a paradoxical increase in the tumor size and normal AFP and hCG levels 5 months after the end of chemotherapy and a histologically verified diagnosis. These clinical features are consistent with the diagnostic criteria of GTS. The patient's parents gave consent to the use of their child's data, including photographs, for research purposes and in publications.

Adult Patients with Hemophilia B and with a History of Chronic HCV/HBV Infection Receiving Liver-Directed Gene Therapy Demonstrated Long-Term Bleeding Protection and Sustained FIX Activity: Efficacy and Safety Results from the HOPE-B Trial 3 Years after Administration of a Single Dose of Etranacogene Dezaparvovec

Introduction: Liver-targeted recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapy for hemophilia B has recently become a real-world therapeutic option for an adult population burdened with prevalent co-morbid chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The pivotal phase 3 HOPE-B trial (NCT03489291) evaluated the efficacy and safety of etranacogene dezaparvovec (CSL222, formerly AMT-061), an AAV5 vector, containing a codon-optimized, highly active factor IX (FIX) Padua R338L transgene under the control of the liver-specific promoter LP-1. Here we evaluate the efficacy and safety of etranacogene dezaparvovec in the subset of HOPE-B participants with a history of chronic HCV and/or HBV. Methods: Adult male participants with hemophilia B (FIX ≤2%), were infused with a single dose of etranacogene dezaparvovec (2x10 13 gc/kg), following a ≥6-month lead-in period receiving their usual FIX prophylaxis. Relevant exclusion criteria included baseline liver chemistries > 2X the upper limit of normal (ULN); active HCV (HCV RNA detectable), HBV (HBV DNA detectable or HBV sAg reactive) or uncontrolled HIV infection; or advanced liver fibrosis (FibroScan™ score of ≥9 kPa). Regular liver ultrasound screening, serum chemistries, and alphafetoprotein (AFP) were collected along with FIX expression and bleeding data. During the first months post-treatment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase to 2X the subject's baseline or >ULN was treated with a per-protocol tapering course of oral corticosteroids. Results: Among 54 HOPE-B trial participants, 31 (57.4%) had history of co-morbid chronic HCV, without active disease and with undetectable HCV RNA. Of these 31 subjects, 7 had a history of chronic HBV infection without active disease (HBV DNA undetectable; HBV sAg neg). Two subjects were HCV/HIV co-infected (HIV DNA neg; CD4+ T-cell count >200). Two subjects were HBV+ (HBV env AB reactive, HBV sAg non-reactive, HBV DNA undetectable)/HCV-/HIV-. The mean age in the HCV+ and/or HBV+ subgroup (HCBV n=33) was 50.0 years (range 31-75). All HCBV participants had central lab (CL) ALT <ULN (ULN=41 U/L) on the day of dosing except one subject who had a CL ALT of 48 U/L. The mean screening fibroscan (liver elastography) score for this subgroup was 5.2 kPa (range 2.8-8.0). In HCBV participants 16/33 (48.5%) had pre-existing AAV5 neutralizing antibodies (NAb), with titers ranging from 8.5-3232; all NAb+ HCBV patients had titer ≤678 except one participant who had a titer of 3212 and never demonstrated FIX expression; as a result his prophylactic FIX infusions were never discontinued and his efficacy outcomes reflect exogenous FIX therapy. One HCBV participant returned to continuous routine prophylaxis 30 months post treatment. In the HOPE-B trial 11/54 (20.4%) of participants had 12 adverse events of ALT elevation of 2X above baseline or >ULN within 12 weeks after etranacogene dezaparvovec treatment, which triggered immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids in 9/54 (16.7%) participants. In the HCBV subgroup, 5/33 (15.2%) participants had ALT elevations of which 4/33 (12.1%) participants received corticosteroids. As reported previously (Schmidt M, et al. Blood Advances. 2023), one HCBV subject maintained normal AFP levels however per-protocol screening ultrasound at one year after gene therapy this participant developed a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); molecular characterization demonstrated the HCC was not related to etranacogene dezaparvovec treatment. Factor IX expression was stably increased above baseline throughout 36 months after the single CSL222 infusion. History of chronic HCBV did not impact FIX expression (Table 1). After excluding the subject with the pre-existing AAV5 NAb titer 3212 whose continued prophylaxis use confounds analysis, the mean annualized bleeding rate (ABR) decreased after gene therapy compared to lead-in standard of care FIX prophylaxis. HCBV participants demonstrated an ABR rate ratio of 0.31 (95% CI 0.13, 0.72) indicating 69% reduction in all bleeding, sustained from months 7-36 following etranacogene dezaparvovec treatment. Conclusions: The majority of HOPE-B trial participants were adults with a history of chronic HCV and/or HBV infection without active viral disease or evident pre-existing liver fibrosis. Safety and efficacy are observed in the HCBV participants.

Parameters Predicting Microvascular Invasion and Poor Differentiation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Normal Alpha-fetoprotein Level Before Liver Transplantation.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the parameters that might be associated with pathologically diagnosed microvascular invasion and poor differentiation, using complete blood count and routine clinical biochemistry test results, in hepatocellular carcinoma patients before liver transplantation. The data of patients who underwent liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma at our institute, between March 2006 and November 2021, was researched retrospectively. The incidence of microvascular invasion was 28.6%, poor differentiation rate was 9.3%, hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rate after liver transplantation was 12.1%, and median time to recurrence was 13 months, in the patients with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels. After univariate and multivariate analysis, maximum tumor diameter > 4.5 cm and the number of nodules (n > 5) were found to be independent risk factors for microvascular invasion, and number of nodules > 4 and mean platelet volume ≤8.6 fL were found to be independent risk factors for poor differentiation. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were still within the normal range at the recurrence time, in 53% of the patients who had recurrence after liver transplantation, but surprisingly were elevated in 47% of the patients at time of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. In hepatocellular carcinoma patients with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels before liver transplantation, independent risk factors of the presence of microvascular invasion were maximum tumor diameter and number of nodules, and independent risk factors of poor differentiation were mean platelet volume and number of nodules. Furthermore, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were still normal at time of recurrence in 53% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients whose alpha-fetoprotein levels were normal before liver transplantation but were elevated in 47% of the patients at recurrence time, despite having normal levels before liver transplantation.

Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein as a Predictor of Liver Fibrosis in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

Background and Objectives: Non-invasive methods for evaluating liver fibrosis have been a crucial focus of clinical research. The aim of the current study is to assess the accuracy of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in determining the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who are positive for HBeAg. Materials and Methods: The current study included a total of 276 HBeAg-positive CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy. The levels of serum AFP were measured in these patients using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. The correlations between serum AFP levels and other laboratory parameters were analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent associations between serum AFP levels and liver fibrosis. The diagnostic performance of serum AFP and other non-invasive markers was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: A total of 59 (21.4%) patients were found to have elevated levels of serum AFP (>7 ng/mL). These patients displayed a significantly higher proportion of both advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis compared to those with normal serum AFP levels (0-7 ng/mL). The level of serum AFP was positively associated with levels of serum globulin (GLB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL), as well as the AST-to-platelet ratio (APRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and Scheuer's classification, and negatively correlated with platelet (PLT) counts. Furthermore, serum AFP was found to be independently associated with significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The results of the ROC analysis showed that serum AFP was an effective predictor of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.773 (95% CI: 0.721-0.821), 0.889 (95% CI: 0.847-0.923), and 0.925 (95% CI: 0.887-0.953), respectively. These values are higher than those of the APRI and FIB-4. Conclusions: Serum AFP could serve as a valuable supplemental biomarker for determining the severity of liver fibrosis in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B.

The outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and normal serum alpha fetoprotein levels

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the prognostic factors of HCC patients with normal serum AFP levels. We retrospectively enrolled 2198 patients with HCC and normal serum AFP levels (<20ng/mL) from 2007 to 2020. Overall survival (OS) rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and analyses of the prognostic factors were performed using a Cox proportional hazard model. Among the enrolled patients, 1385 (63%) patients were in the low-normal AFP group (serum AFP levels ≤7ng/mL), and 813 (37%) patients were in the high-normal AFP group (serum AFP levels between 7 and 20ng/mL). The high-normal AFP group had poorer liver functional reserve, more multiple tumors, and smaller tumor size compared to those in the low-normal AFP group. After a median follow-up of 32.4 months, 942 patients died, and the 5-year OS rate was 54.4%. The 5-year OS rates were 57.4% and 49.8% in the low-normal AFP group and high-normal AFP group, respectively (p=0.001). A multivariate analysis showed the independent prognostic factors of poor OS were no anti-viral therapy, advanced albumin-bilirubin grades, the presence of vascular invasion, tumor size ≥5cm, and non-curative treatment modalities. Serum AFP levels were not associated with OS according to the multivariate analysis. Liver functional reserve, anti-viral therapy, tumor size, vascular invasion, and treatment modalities, determined the outcomes of HCC patients with normal serum AFP levels, but serum AFP levels did not.

Serum Anti-14-3-3 Zeta Autoantibody as a Biomarker for Predicting Hepatocarcinogenesis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is still the only serum biomarker widely used in clinical settings. However, approximately 40% of HCC patients exhibit normal AFP levels, including very early HCC and AFP-negative HCC; for these patients, serum AFP is not applicable as a biomarker of early detection. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers for patients for whom disease cannot be diagnosed early. In this study, we screened and identified novel proteins in AFP-negative HCC and evaluated the feasibility of using autoantibodies to those protein to predict hepatocarcinogenesis. First, we screened and identified differentially expressed proteins between AFP-negative HCC tissue and adjacent non-tumor liver tissue using SWATH-MS proteome technology. In total, 2,506 proteins were identified with a global false discovery rate of 1%, of which 592 proteins were expressed differentially with 175 upregulated and 417 downregulated (adjusted p-value <0.05, fold-change FC ≥1.5 or ≤0.67) between the tumor and matched benign samples, including 14-3-3 zeta protein. For further serological verification, autoantibodies against 14-3-3 zeta in serum were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent, Western blotting, and indirect immunofluorescence assays. Five serial serum samples from one patient with AFP-negative HCC showed anti-14-3-3 zeta autoantibody in sera 9 months before the diagnosis of HCC, which gradually increased with an increase in the size of the nodule. Based on these findings, we detected the prevalence of serum anti-14-3-3 zeta autoantibody in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, which is commonly considered a premalignant liver disease of HCC. We found that the prevalence of autoantibodies against 14-3-3 zeta protein was 16.1% (15/93) in LC patient sera, which was significantly higher than that in patients with chronic hepatitis (0/75, p = 0.000) and normal human sera (1/60, 1.7%, p = 0.01). Therefore, we suggest that anti-14-3-3 zeta autoantibody might be a biomarker for predicting hepatocarcinogenesis. Further follow-up and research of patients with positive autoantibodies will be continued to confirm the relationship between anti-14-3-3 zeta autoantibody and hepatocarcinogenesis.

Elderly Man With Right Upper Arm Obvious Swelling

An 82-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of right upper arm swelling. He underwent excision of a spindle cell sarcoma in his right bicep three months ago. The patient’s vital signs were blood pressure, 118/78 mm Hg and temperature, 36.8 °C. Serum tumor markers showed normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen and CA-50. Ultrasound of the right arm showed a large, ill-defined mass in the right upper arm, compressing and displacing the brachial artery and vein (Figure 1).

MP40-13 WHEN IS A SEMINOMA NOT A SEMINOMA? THE INCIDENCE, RISK FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH TESTICULAR SEMINOMA WITH DISCORDANT ELEVATED SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN

You have accessJournal of UrologyPenile & Testicular Cancer I (MP40)1 Sep 2021MP40-13 WHEN IS A SEMINOMA NOT A SEMINOMA? THE INCIDENCE, RISK FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH TESTICULAR SEMINOMA WITH DISCORDANT ELEVATED SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN Katherine E. Fero, Patrick Lec, Vidit Sharma, Andrew Lenis, Josiah Low, Mark Litwin, Michael Leapman, and Karim Chamie Katherine E. FeroKatherine E. Fero More articles by this author , Patrick LecPatrick Lec More articles by this author , Vidit SharmaVidit Sharma More articles by this author , Andrew LenisAndrew Lenis More articles by this author , Josiah LowJosiah Low More articles by this author , Mark LitwinMark Litwin More articles by this author , Michael LeapmanMichael Leapman More articles by this author , and Karim ChamieKarim Chamie More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002055.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The detection of elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in patients with pure seminoma testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) is a discordant finding that implies the presence of occult non-seminomatous GCT (NSGCT) elements. The histologic misclassification of a NSGCT as a pure seminoma has considerable therapeutic implications, as the two vary in the appropriateness of utilization of adjuvant treatments, or active surveillance. The incidence and management patterns of pure seminoma histology with elevated AFP remains understudied; thus, we aimed to described the incidence, clinical and demographic factors, and treatment patterns associated with discordant elevated AFP findings in patients with pure seminomatous histology. METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database to identify patients with testicular GCT diagnosed between 2011 through 2015. We grouped patients based on histologic diagnosis and pre-operative serum AFP level and defined an outcome variable for type of adjuvant therapy patients received after orchiectomy, if any. RESULTS: Of 18,616 patients diagnosed with testicular GCT, 53% (N=9849) had pure seminomatous histology and 8.3% (N=821) had an elevated serum AFP pre-operatively. Non-white patients with seminoma were more likely to have a pre-op elevation of AFP (OR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.10–1.83); patients treated at higher volume centers were less likely to have a pre-op elevation AFP (0.66, 95% CI: 0.53–0.83). Patients with stage I seminoma with elevated AFP underwent adjuvant radiation more frequently than those with NSGCT (15% vs 0.2%, p<0.01) and less frequently received retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) (1.9% vs 11.1% p<0.01). More patients with stage II seminoma with elevated AFP underwent adjuvant radiation than those with NSGCT (21.9% vs 0.1%, p<0.01) and fewer underwent adjuvant chemotherapy (54.4 vs 75%, p<0.01) or RPLND (8.8% vs 17.4%, p<0.01) (Figure 1). CONCLUSIONS: In this national study, approximately 8% of patients with pure seminomatous GCTs had diagnostically discordant elevated pre-operative AFP levels. Despite recommendations to manage these patients as NSGCT, patients with seminoma and elevated AFP were managed in a fashion comparable to those with seminoma and normal AFP levels. Source of Funding: KEF is supported by H&H Lee UCLA Surgical Scholars Program and Urology Care Foundation resident research award.Veterans Affairs Health Services Research program supports author V. Sharma © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e719-e719 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Katherine E. Fero More articles by this author Patrick Lec More articles by this author Vidit Sharma More articles by this author Andrew Lenis More articles by this author Josiah Low More articles by this author Mark Litwin More articles by this author Michael Leapman More articles by this author Karim Chamie More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Serum PIVKA-II and alpha-fetoprotein at virological remission predicts hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B related cirrhosis

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is reduced but not eliminated after nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to investigate the role of serum Prothrombin Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and alpha-fetoprotein in predicting HCC and mortality in cirrhotic CHB patients at virological remission (VR) following NA therapy. Patients with CHB-related cirrhosis undergoing NA therapy from two medical centers in Taiwan were retrospectively included. Serum PIVKA-II were quantified by an automated chemiluminescence assay. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify predictors for HCC and death. Serial on-treatment PIVKA-II levels after VR were investigated. Overall, 293 CHB-related cirrhosis patients were included. At VR, the mean age was 55, and the mean PIVKA-II level was 35 mAU/mL. After a mean follow-up of 78 months, 76 patients developed HCC and 19 died. After adjustment for confounding factors, alpha-fetoprotein >7ng/mL (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73-4.67) and PIVKA-II >50 mAU/mL (HR: 2.46, 95%CI: 1.35-4.49) at VR significantly predicted HCC development. In patients with alpha-fetoprotein ≤10ng/mL or ≤20ng/mL at VR, PIVKA-II >50 mAU/mL increased 2.45 or 3.16-fold risk of HCC, respectively. PIVKA-II levels after VR increased serially in patients who developed HCC afterwards. In patients with CHB-related cirrhosis, serum alpha-fetoprotein >7ng/mL and PIVKA-II >50 mAU/mL at the time of antiviral therapy-induced VR is associated with a greater risk of HCC. PIVKA-II is a predictive marker for HCC in patients with low normal alpha-fetoprotein level.

When is a Seminoma not a Seminoma? The Incidence, Risk Factors and Management of Patients With Testicular Seminoma With Discordant Elevated Serum Alpha-fetoprotein

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence, clinical and demographic factors, and treatment patterns associated with discordant elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) findings in patients with pure seminomatous histology. MethodsWe queried the National Cancer Database to identify patients with testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) diagnosed in 2011-2015. Patients were grouped based on histologic diagnosis and pre-operative serum AFP level. ResultsOf 18,616 patients diagnosed with testicular GCT, 53% (N = 9,849) had pure seminomatous histology, of whom 8.3% (N = 821) had an elevated serum AFP pre-operatively. Non-white patients with seminoma were more likely to have a pre-op elevated AFP (OR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.10-1.83); patients treated at higher volume centers were less likely to have a pre-op elevated AFP (0.66, 95% CI: 0.53-0.83). Patients with seminoma with elevated AFP received adjuvant radiation more frequently than those with NSGCT (Stage I: 15% vs 0.2%, P <.01; Stage II: 21.9% vs 0.1%, P <.01) and less frequently underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) (Stage 1: 1.9% vs 11.1% P <.01; Stage II: 8.8% vs 17.4%, P <.01). ConclusionThe detection of elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in patients with pure seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) is a discordant finding that implies the presence of occult non-seminomatous GCT (NSGCT) elements. 8% of patients with pure seminomatous GCTs had diagnostically discordant elevated pre-operative AFP levels. Despite recommendations to manage these patients as NSGCT, patients with seminoma and elevated AFP were managed in a fashion comparable to those with seminoma and normal AFP levels.

A Case of Pituitary Germinoma With Complete Recovery of Visual Field

Abstract Central nervous system germ cell tumours (GCTs) are rare, accounting for 0.1-3.4% of all primary brain malignancies. Intracranial GCTs (ICGCTs) usually arise within the pineal recess (50-65%), sellar-suprasellar region (25-35%) and rarely in the basal ganglia-thalamus (5-10%). A peakonset occurs during the second decade of life with a median age at diagnosis between10-12 years and a male predominance. Histologically, ICGCTs are classified into germinomas accounting for two thirds of cases and non-germinomatous GCTs. ICGCTs present with clinical features dependent on their location and tumour size. Symptoms most often arise from compressed optic structures, increased intracranial pressure and central endocrine abnormalities, particularly diabetes insipidus (DI). Clinical findings combined with elevated tumour marker levels within the serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be diagnostic. Case: A 30-year-old lady who survived a childhood leukaemia presented as an emergency with a two-month history of headaches, dizziness and near-complete visual loss. Cranial MRI identified a large sellar mass with suprasellar extension compressing the optic chiasma and hypothalamus. Biochemical and endocrine profiles confirmed diabetes insipidus, hypocortisolaemia and hypothyroidism all requiring hormone replacement. Visual field examination revealed total left visual loss and a right temporal hemianopia. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis identified an elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level at 16 IU/L (normal &amp;lt;2), with a normal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. Both tumour markers were normal in the serum. Emergency Etoposide-Cisplatin (Em-EP) chemotherapy was initiated for a suprasellar GCT followed by the EPOMB-ITMTX regimen [Etoposide-Cisplatinwith intrathecal Methotrexate (ITMTX) alternating with Vincristine-Methotrexate-Bleomycin]. After four cycles EPOMB-ITMTX, the vision was fully restored, brain MRI demonstrated an excellent radiological response and the CSF HCG normalised. Our patient received volumetric-modulated arc cranial radiotherapy (VMAT) with a total 54 Gy in 16 fractions. She remains well without disease recurrence for 14 months. Tumour markers are normal with stable MRI brain and whole-spine. Endocrine follow-up confirms recovery in all pituitary axes except the gonadotrophins for which she remains on hormone replacement therapy. Conclusion: This case demonstrates an excellent outcome for a young adult diagnosed with a suprasellar GCT treated with chemotherapy followed by stereotactic radiotherapy. It highlights the importance in keeping a high clinical index of suspicion in young adults presenting with a midline intracranial tumour, visual dysfunction and an endocrinopathy. CSF analysis identified an elevated tumour marker level, which bypasses the need for a histological diagnosis.

Prognostic significance of systemic immune-inflammation index-based nomogram for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the recommended treatment for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in early stage HCC is not discussed. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to explore the prognostic value of SII based on lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts in patients with HCC after RFA. We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic value of the SII in training and validation cohorts, and then established an effective nomogram for HCC after RFA based on SII. The C-index, and area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (t-AUC) were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration value of the nomogram. An optimal cut-off value for the SII of 324.55×109 stratified the patients with HCC into high- and low-SII groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that SII was an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Moreover, SII was an independent prognostic factor for early-stage HCC with normal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. The t-AUC of the SII was higher for OS and RFS than for neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). A high preoperative SII was associated with multiple tumors, larger tumors, and higher levels of AFP. A well-discriminated and calibrated nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year RFS with C-indexes of 0.80, which was significantly higher than that obtained with other prognostic clinical indexes. The SII is an independent prognostic factor affecting the survival outcomes of patients with early-stage HCC. The comprehensive nomogram based on SII presented in this study is a promising model for predicting RFS in HCC patients after RFA.

Imaging and clinical features of pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare in children and there is limited data on its imaging features. To describe imaging features of pediatric HCC and correlate them with clinical and laboratory findings. We retrospectively reviewed imaging in all pediatric HCC cases seen between January 2000 and January 2019. Imaging features defined in LI-RADS (Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System) and tumor extent by PRETEXT (pretreatment extent of disease) criteria were noted by two radiologists. Patient charts were reviewed to collect clinical features, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level and pathology findings. Of the 15 children (7 boys, 8 girls; mean age: 11.8years, age range: 6-17years) included in the study, 12/15 had computed tomography, 9/15 had magnetic resonance imaging and 9/15 had ultrasound exams available for review. Pathological types of HCC included classic (11/15, 73%), fibrolamellar (3/15, 20%) and mixed cholangiocarcinoma-HCC (1/15, 7%). Eighty percent occurred de novo in normal liver and 67% showed elevated AFP levels. Arterial phase hyperenhancement was seen in 83% of cases, washout in 86%, capsule in 50% and tumor-in-vein in 33%. The mean tumor size was 9.8cm and 40% were multifocal on imaging. Staging revealed PRETEXT II tumors in 47%, III in 20% and IV in 33%. There were no PRETEXT I tumors. The two most common PRETEXT annotation factors were portal vein and caudate lobe involvement in 71% and 43% of cases, respectively. Fibrolamellar HCC demonstrated central scar, normal AFP levels and normal background liver. Pediatric HCC are large heterogeneous tumors, as reflected by high PRETEXT staging, and commonly include portal vein and caudate involvement. This affects resectability of these tumors at presentation. Central scar, normal AFP level and normal liver background may help differentiate fibrolamellar HCC from other types of HCC.

Malignant sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors in children in Taiwan: A retrospective single-center case series.

Although the incidence of malignant sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors (MSGCTs) is high in the East Asian countries, information about MSGCTs from this region is limited. This report aimed to analyze the data of children with MSGCTs in a single medical center in Taiwan.Patients aged 18 years or younger with primary MSGCTs or malignant recurrence of a sacrococcygeal teratoma who underwent surgery during the neonatal period between January 1999 and December 2016 were identified from the Linkou Chang Gung Cancer Center registry. The clinical features, laboratory data, and treatment outcomes were reviewed.Fifteen children (1 man and 15 women) with MSGCTs were identified. Sacrococcygeal tumors were present at birth in 7 patients. All patients presented with a bulging mass at the buttock region and they had normal alpha-fetoprotein levels at the time of diagnosis. They underwent primary excision of the tumor. Immature teratoma was histologically diagnosed in 5 neonates, and mature teratoma in 2. Only 1 patient with grade 3 immature teratoma received adjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients with mature teratoma developed malignant recurrence 1.6 and 2.1 years later, respectively. Eight patients were diagnosed with MSGCTs after the neonatal period. The common presenting symptoms included buttock asymmetry (37.5%), abdominal distension (25%), and constipation (12.5%). Seven patients had elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels for their age. They were administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by tumor excision if a residual tumor was present. The histology of the excised tumor included mature teratoma (66.7%) and necrosis (33.3%). One patient with a normal alpha-fetoprotein level underwent primary tumor excision followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Grade 2 immature teratoma with embryonal carcinoma was diagnosed histologically. Among the 15 patients with MSGCTs, 3 had a recurrence (at age of 2.1, 0.5, and 2.4 years, respectively) and 1 died (at age of 6.1 years) of disease progression. The 5-year overall and event-free survival rates were 90% and 80%, respectively.Children with MSGCTs had good overall prognoses in this case series. For those with sacrococcygeal mature teratoma or low-grade immature teratoma in the neonatal period, we recommend close follow-up for at least 3 years after surgery to detect malignant recurrence.

Fetus in fetu: two case reports from North African country

BackgroundFetus in fetu is a rare congenital anomaly. The exact etiology is unclear; one of the mostly accepted theories is the occurrence of an embryological insult occurring in a diamniotic monochorionic twin leading to asymmetrical division of the blastocyst mass. Commonly, they present in the infancy with clinical picture related to their mass effect. About 80% of cases are in the abdomen retroperitoneally.Case presentationWe present two cases of this rare condition. The first case was for a 10-year-old girl that presented with anemia and abdominal mass, while the second case was for a 4-month-old boy that was diagnosed antenatally by ultrasound. Both cases had vertebrae, recognizable fetal organs, and skin coverage. Both had a distinct sac. The second case had a vascular connection with the host arising from the superior mesenteric artery. Both cases were intra-abdominal and showed normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein. Histopathological examination revealed elements from the three germ layers without any evidence of immature cells ruling out teratoma as a differential diagnosis.ConclusionsOwing to its rarity, fetus in fetu requires a high degree of suspicion and meticulous surgical techniques to avoid either injury of the adjacent vital structures or bleeding from the main blood supply connection to the host. It should be differentiated from mature teratoma.

Serum Angiopoietin 2 acts as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically accompanied by abundant arterial blood flow. Although angiogenic growth factors such as Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) play a central role in tumor angiogenesis in HCC, the role of serum Ang2 as a biomarker in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of Ang2 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The median Ang2 levels in controls (n=20), chronic liver disease patients (n=98), and HCC patients (n=275) were 1.58, 2.33, and 3.53 ng/mL, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of Ang2 was determined as 3.5 ng/mL by receiver operating curve analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Ang2 for HCC detection were 50.9, 83.7, and 59.5%, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated only a weak correlation between Ang2 serum levels and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) serum levels. The diagnostic value of Ang2 was comparable to those of other existing markers. In addition, 24 out of 73 patients with normal AFP and DCP levels (32.9%) demonstrated abnormally high Ang2 levels (≥3.5 ng/mL). Although no significant difference in overall survival was found between Ang2high and Ang2low patients with curative ablation therapy, recurrence-free survival (RFS) in Ang2high patients was observed to be significantly shorter than those in Ang2low patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high serum Ang2 levels (≥3.5 ng/mL) and the presence of multiple tumors were poor prognostic factors. In conclusion, our findings indicate that serum Ang2 is a potential novel biomarker for both diagnosis and prognosis in HCC.

Differential alternative splicing between hepatocellular carcinoma with normal and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein

BackgroundSerum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the approved serum marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening. However, not all HCC patients show high (≥ 20 ng/mL) serum AFP, and the molecular mechanisms of HCCs with normal (< 20 ng/mL) serum AFP remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to identify biological features of HCCs with normal serum AFP by investigating differential alternative splicing (AS) between HCCs with normal and high serum AFP.MethodsWe performed a genome-wide survey of AS events in 249 HCCs with normal (n = 131) and high (n = 118) serum AFP levels using RNA-sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas.ResultsIn group comparisons of RNA-seq profiles from HCCs with normal and high serum AFP levels, 161 differential AS events (125 genes; ΔPSI > 0.05, FDR < 0.05) were identified to be alternatively spliced between the two groups. Those genes were enriched in cell migration or proliferation terms such as “the cell migration and growth-cone collapse” and “regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) transport and uptake by IGF binding proteins”. Most of all, two AS genes (FN1 and FAM20A) directly interact with AFP; these relate to the regulation of IGF transport and post-translational protein phosphorylation. Interestingly, 42 genes and 27 genes were associated with gender and vascular invasion (VI), respectively, but only eighteen genes were significant in survival analysis. We especially highlight that FN1 exhibited increased differential expression of AS events (ΔPSI > 0.05), in which exons 25 and 33 were more frequently skipped in HCCs with normal (low) serum AFP compared to those with high serum AFP. Moreover, these events were gender and VI dependent.ConclusionWe found that AS may influence the regulation of transcriptional differences inherent in the occurrence of HCC maintaining normal rather than elevated serum AFP levels.