Serum thymidine kinase 1 protein concentration for predicting early progression and monitoring the response to TACE in hepatocellular carcinomas: a network meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of serum thymidine kinase 1 protein concentration (STK1p) in distinguishing between hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and non-HCC for predicting early progression and monitoring the response to transarterial chemoembolization in HCC. Material & methods: A total of 24 eligible studies were included, containing 1849 HCC patients and 1069 healthy subjects. Results: The STK1p level significantly increased from normal controls to benign/pre-HCC and HCC (p < 0.0001). STK1p also increased significantly in sub-malignant groups: control being the lowest, followed consecutively by hepatic hemangioma, hepatitis B virus infection and hepatic cirrhosis (p < 0.05). After 1 month of transarterial chemoembolization treatment, STK1p level declined significantly, by 44.4% (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: STK1p is a useful prognostic biomarker in HCC. Lay abstract There is a need for reliable prognostic biomarkers in liver cancer, to support therapy efforts. In this study we investigated if thymidine kinase 1 in blood could be used to discover patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and show the results of their treatment. The results are based on 1847 hepatocellular carcinoma patients and 1069 healthy people. We conclude that serum thymidine kinase 1 protein concentration is a reliable biomarker in liver cancer.