Clinicopathological and Prognostic Value of Plasma CD24 Level in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common form of cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. HCC often occurs in the background of a cirrhotic liver. there is an increased incidence of HCC due to the rise of Hepatitis B Virus, HCV infections and chronic alcohol use. Western’s HCC usually developed in cirrhotic liver while over 50% of Asian countries developed in noncirrhotic liver. More recent studies suggest metabolic syndrome, such as type II diabetes and obesity, is an additional risk factor for development of HCC. Aim of the Work The aim of this work is to determine the clinicopathological and prognostic value of plasma CD24 Level in hepatocellular carcinoma to help in choose best treatment, recurrence rate and metastasis. Patients and Methods This case control study was carried out in Ain Shams University on 60 patients divided into two groups, Group (A) that included 20 patients liver cirrhosis without hepatocellular carcinoma and Group (B) that included 40 patients liver cirrhosis with HCC. Results The current study demonstrated that CD24 protein expression was detectable in plasma of HCC patients and the controls, and plasma CD24 level was significantly higher in HCC patients over the controls. Furthermore, plasma CD24 level was associated with tumor differentiation however, it wasnot correlated with other clinic- pathologic parameters including gender, age, tumor size, tumor number, capsulation status, TNM stage, HBsAg status, ALT, AFP and GGT level. The present study showed that plasma CD24 level is higher in HCC patients and it is a valuable biomarker for prognosis of HCC patients. Therefore, CD24 might be used as a potential biomarker for evaluation of postoperative survival. Conclusion It is concluded that plasma CD24 level is higher in HCC patients and it is a valuable biomarker for prognosis of HCC patients. Therefore, CD24 might be used as a potential biomarker for evaluation of postoperative survival of HCC patients.