Tumour-associated y-glutamyl transferase isoenzymes in liver cancer patients
Author Information
Author(s): M.C. Kew, P. Wolf, D. Whittaker, P. Rowe
Primary Institution: University of the Witwatersrand Medical School and South African Institute for Medical Research
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the frequency of tumour-associated isoenzymes of y-glutamyl transferase in southern African Blacks with hepatocellular carcinoma and assess their diagnostic value compared to alpha-fetoprotein.
Conclusion
Tumour-associated y-glutamyl transferase isoenzymes may be useful as a supplementary diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in patients with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels.
Supporting Evidence
- 58.6% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had one or more tumour-associated isoenzymes.
- 42% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with normal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels had tumour-associated isoenzymes.
- Patients with isoenzymes were more likely to have elevated serum y-glutamyl transferase levels.
Takeaway
Doctors found special proteins in the blood of many people with liver cancer that could help diagnose the disease, even when other tests look normal.
Methodology
Sera from 391 southern African Blacks with histologically-proved hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed using polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis to detect y-glutamyl transferase isoenzymes.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable to populations with a low incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Participant Demographics
Patients ranged in age from 13 to 87 years, with a mean age of 45.2 years; 86.5% were male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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