UNVEILING PROGNOSTIC MARKERS IN INTRAHEPATIC DUCTAL CARCINOMA: THE ROLE OF SERUM CREATININE, LFTS, ALPHA FETOPROTEIN, AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN
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Keywords
Intrahepatic Ductal Carcinoma, Prognostic Biomarkers, Serum Creatinine, Liver Function Tests, Alpha-Fetoprotein, C-Reactive Protein.
Abstract
Background: Intrahepatic ductal carcinoma (IHDC) is a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer with poor prognosis, often diagnosed at advanced stages. There is a critical need for reliable biomarkers that can aid in early diagnosis, disease progression monitoring, and therapeutic decision-making.
Objective: To evaluate the prognostic significance of serum creatinine, liver function tests (LFTs), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with IHDC.
Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted at MINAR Cancer Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from June 2024 to March 2025. A total of 150 IHDC patients were included. Blood samples were collected at baseline and every three months to assess serum creatinine, LFTs, AFP, and CRP. Statistical analyses, including Pearson's correlation and Cox proportional hazards regression, were performed using SPSS version 24.0.
Results: Elevated levels of serum creatinine, ALT, AST, AFP, and CRP were observed in patients with advanced disease stages. Significant correlations were found between these biomarkers and disease progression (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified serum creatinine (HR = 1.63), AFP (HR = 1.55), and AST (HR = 1.42) as independent predictors of survival.
Conclusion: Serum creatinine, LFTs, AFP, and CRP are valuable prognostic biomarkers for IHDC. Their integration into clinical practice can enhance early diagnosis, improve risk stratification, and guide personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Beenish Haleem Riaz
Assistant Professor in Biochemistry at Nawaz Sharif Medical College, Gujrat, Pakistan.
Mehvesh Rehan
Demonstrator in Biochemistry Department at Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.
Zunairah Hamayun
Associate Professor in Department of Physiology at Multan Medical and Dental College, Multan, Pakistan
Shanza Rafi
Demonstrator at Department of Physiology, Multan Medical and Dental College, Multan, Pakistan