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Lectin-binding analysis of serum alpha-fetoprotein: Predictive importance of the change of AFP sugar chain in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

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Primary Liver Cancer in Japan

Abstract

In Japan, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually develops on the basis of liver cirrhosis that results from chronic infection by hepatitis virus B (HVB) or C (HVC). One of the most important factors which influences the prognosis of the patient is early detection of the tumor, i.e., detection when it is as small as possible. HCC is diagnosed using a combination of imaging methods, such as ultrasound (US) techniques, computed tomography (CT), angiography, and tumor marker assays. Of the various tumor markers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K antagonist II (PIVKA-II) are the most reliable, and for an early diagnosis of HCC, it is necessary to regularly check the patient using imaging methods and AFP assays. Because of recent progress in the development of diagnostic techniques, detection of tumors less than 2 cm in diameter is increasing. In patients with small tumors, 64% do not show elevation of serum AFP levels [1] (Table 1). However, in some patients, regular AFP checks give clues for the early detection of HCC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sanraku Hospital, 2-5 Kanda Surugadai, 101, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Yasuo Endo

Authors
  1. Yasuo Endo
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54-Shogoin Kawara-cho, 606, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

    Takayoshi Tobe M. D. (Chairman and Professor) (Chairman and Professor)

  2. The First Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, 105, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Haruo Kameda

  3. Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, 228, Sagamihara, Japan

    Masahiko Okudaira

  4. First Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Chiba University, 280, Chiba, Japan

    Masao Ohto

  5. Sanraku Hospital, 2-5 Kanda Surugadai, 101, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan

    Yasuo Endo

  6. The Second Department of Surgery, Asahikawa Medical College, Nishikagura 4-5, 078, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan

    Michio Mito

  7. The First Department of Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, 663, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan

    Eizo Okamoto

  8. Second Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 830, Kurume, Japan

    Kyuichi Tanikawa

  9. First Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 830, Fukuoka, Japan

    Masamichi Kojiro

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© 1992 Springer-Verlag Tokyo

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Endo, Y. (1992). Lectin-binding analysis of serum alpha-fetoprotein: Predictive importance of the change of AFP sugar chain in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In: Tobe, T., et al. Primary Liver Cancer in Japan. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-68177-9_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-68177-9_16

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo

  • Print ISBN: 978-4-431-68179-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-4-431-68177-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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