Tumor markers after radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of measurement of the AFP-L3 fraction before and after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy for HCC, compared with the measurement of total AFP and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP). Methodology: One hundred and twenty-four patients with HCCs were evaluated for their complete response with a 5-mm-thick safety margin around the tumor. Three tumor markers (AFP, DCP, AFP-L3) were measured after RFA therapy, and their clinical significance was studied. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that of the three tumor makers only AFP-L3 showed significant differences in the survival and disease-free rates. Conclusions: AFP-L3 is the most reliable tumor marker for estimating overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with HCC effectively treated by RFA in contrast to AFP and DCP.