Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with cirrhosis by combined assay of des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin and alpha-fetoprotein: a prospective study.

Background/Aims : To evaluate the usefulness of des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) assay in a group at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods : Plasma DCP and serum-α-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations were prospectively measured in 137 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Results : During the mean observation period of 3.4 years, HCC developed in 35 patients (25.5% ; yearly rate 7.5%), of whom 16 (45.7%) had a small tumor 2cm and were multiple or diffuse type. In cases with a tumor diameter 2cm or those of diffuse type, which are difficult to recognize with imaging. Conclusions : Thus, although DCP alone is not sensitive enough to detect early small liver cancers, the use of both markers and imaging in the follow-up of patients with LC might be beneficial.