Prognostic and diagnostic value of des-γ-carboxy prothrombin in liver cancer.

Des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is an abnormal prothrombin induced by the absence of vitamin K₂ that is increased in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In hepatoma cells, genetic alterations, membrane receptors, the inability to uptake labeled low-density lipoprotein, cytoskeletal changes and hepatocyte cytoplasmic transfers involved in vitamin K metabolism could play an important role in producing detectable DCP serum levels. Serum DCP was found to have a sensitivity ranging from 48% to 62%, a specificity of 81% to 98% and a diagnostic accuracy of 59% to 84% for detecting HCC.

Epoetin alpha improves the response to antiviral treatment in HCV-related chronic hepatitis.

Background: The conventional antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) often leads to anemia. In this case, it is necessary to reduce ribavirin dose or stop treatment, thus reducing the rate of sustained virological response.

Aim: We investigated whether epoetin alpha administration improves treatment adherence and leads to higher percentage of response at the end of therapy and sustained virological response.