Significance of des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin production in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Author's response to reviews Title: Prognostic Value of alpha-Fetoprotein and Des-gamma -Carboxy Prothrombin Responses in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma treated with Transarterial Chemoembolization Authors:

Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (PIVKA-II)-producing mediastinal embryonal carcinoma with features of hepatoid differentiation.

The case of a 48-year-old man with primary nonseminomatous embryonal carcinoma at the posterior mediastinum is described. The patient displayed extremely high plasma levels of Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (PIVKA-II) (4040 mAU/ml). Ultrasonography and dynamic computed tomography ruled out hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver metastasis. After preoperative systemic chemotherapy, total tumor r...

Rapid Regression of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Elevation of Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin after Short-Term Treatment with Sorafenib – A Report of Two Cases

BACKGROUND Sorafenib is the first molecular-targeted agent that is effective for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with prolongation of survival. However, a complete response is very rare, and rapid regression of HCC after short-term treatment with sorafenib has not been reported previously. CASE REPORTS We describe 2 patients with advanced multiple HCC who received sorafenib for short...

Prognostic Impact of Indocyanine Green Plasma Disappearance Rate in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Radiofrequency Ablation: A Prognostic Nomogram Study

Objective Radiofrequency ablation has been used widely for the local ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in its early stages. The study aim was to identify significant prognostic factors and develop a predictive nomogram for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have undergone radiofrequency ablation. We also developed the formula to predict the probability of 3- and 5-year ...

Abnormal prothrombin in the plasma of rats carrying hepatic tumors.

Vitamin K is required for the posttranslational formation of gamma-carboxyglutamyl residues in a number of plasma clotting factors. Interference with vitamin K action results in the appearance of abnormal (des-gamma-carboxy) forms of prothrombin in human plasma. Vitamin K-sufficient patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma also secrete significant quantities of abnormal prothrombin; this ...