Predictive Value of Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary malignant cancer of the liver inthe world. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels reflect hepatic function and are inversely correlated withthe severity of background chronic liver disease.
Objective: This study evaluated whether basal serum IGF-1levels can predict prognosis of HCC patients according to different risks of disease progression. Materials and
Methods: A total of 89 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were recruited in 3 groups: Group I, 30HCC patients receiving sorafinib; Group II, 30 HCC patients with best supportive care; and Group III include29 patients undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). All patients were investigated forserum levels of AST, ALP, Bb, Cr, BUN, AFP and IGF-I.
Results: Patients with disease control had significantlyhigher baseline IGF-1 levels 210 (185-232.5) ng/mL (p value<0.01) than did patients without disease control.Low basal IGF-1 levels were associated with advanced HCC, such as multiple tumors and advanced stage, andlow IGF-1 levels predicted shorter TTP and overall survival in patients treated with TACE.
Conclusions: Thelevels of serum IGF-1, expressed as continuous values, may be helpful for accurately assessing hepatic functionand the prognostic stratification of patients with HCC.