Upregulation of Circulating PD-L1/PD-1 Is Associated with Poor Post-Cryoablation Prognosis in Patients with HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
2011

PD-L1/PD-1 Levels and Prognosis in Liver Cancer After Cryoablation

Sample size: 141 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zeng Zhen, Shi Feng, Zhou Lin, Zhang Min-Na, Chen Yan, Chang Xiu-Juan, Lu Yin-Ying, Bai Wen-Lin, Qu Jian-Hui, Wang Chun-Ping, Wang Hong, Lou Min, Wang Fu-Sheng, Lv Ji-Yun, Yang Yong-Ping

Primary Institution: Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China

Hypothesis

This study evaluates the association between circulating PD-L1/PD-1 and prognosis after cryoablation in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion

Upregulation of circulating PD-L1/PD-1 is associated with poor post-cryoablation prognosis in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • Circulating PD-L1 expression increased from stage A to stage C.
  • Higher PD-1/PD-L1 levels were associated with shorter overall survival.
  • PD-L1 expression was an independent predictor of overall survival.

Takeaway

This study found that higher levels of certain proteins in the blood can mean that liver cancer patients might not do as well after treatment.

Methodology

141 HBV-related HCC patients were enrolled, with 109 receiving cryoablation; PD-L1/PD-1 levels were measured using flow cytometry.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the exclusion of patients with concurrent autoimmune diseases, HIV, and syphilis.

Limitations

The study had a limited sample size and was conducted at a single center.

Participant Demographics

Patients were primarily male with a mean age around 52-53 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.58–0.94

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023621

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication