Serum Calcium Channel Alpha2 Delta1 α2δ1 Subunit as a Diagnostic and a Predictive Marker of Therapeutic Ablation Outcome for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Hepatitis C Patients

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the 7th common cancer worldwide. Its diagnosis depends mainly on abdominal ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein. The alpha2 delta1 (α2δ1) subunit is excessively presented in Tumor Initiating Cells (TICs) of HCC, and is mandatory in calcium transport, which is important to maintain TICs properties. The aim was to assess serum α2δ1 subunit as a diagnostic marker and for follow up of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after ablation in comparison to alpha-fetoprotein.

Methods: This study was performed on 60 subjects. They were divided into three groups; Group I: included 20 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Group II: included 20 patients without hepatocellular carcinoma, and Group III: included 20 healthy individuals as control ones. Serum α2δ1 subunit was measured in all subjects and followed up in group I 3 months after ablation.

Results: Serum α2δ1 subunit was significantly higher in group I than either group II or group III with a cut off value >100 ng/mL (sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%), and was decreasing after ablation in well ablated cases in the period of follow up.

Conclusion: α2δ1 subunit is a useful marker in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, also in follow up after ablation.