Changes in serum fibronectin levels predict tumor recurrence in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 4;10(1):21313. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-78440-w.

Abstract

Fibronectin, a matrix glycoprotein aberrantly expressed in various tumor cells, is a known candidate biomarker for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated whether serum fibronectin levels could predict tumor recurrence in patients with early-stage HCC after curative treatment. A total of 83 patients who showed complete response after initial curative treatment were included. The levels of serum fibronectin at baseline and 4-6 weeks after initial treatment were analyzed with regard to their associations with recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to construct a prognostic nomogram. Baseline fibronectin levels were not significantly correlated with tumor size, number, stage, and serum α-fetoprotein levels. However, decrease in serum fibronectin levels after treatment was significantly associated with reduced HCC recurrence in multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio, 0.009; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a nomogram consisting of gender and changes in serum fibronectin showed a good discriminatory capability for the prediction of HCC recurrence with an area under the receiver-operating curve of 0.87. In conclusion, changes in serum fibronectin levels may be a surrogate indicator for assessment of treatment response in patients with early HCC after curative treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / blood*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Fibronectins / blood*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / blood*
  • Nomograms

Substances

  • FN1 protein, human
  • Fibronectins