Aim: To identify the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA expression in peripheral blood one week after surgery as a predictor for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods: Published studies fulfilling the selection criteria were identified by searching several databases online. After a methodology assessment using a quality scale designed by European Lung Cancer Working Party, data in each research were aggregated by means of meta-analysis.
Results: Altogether 368 cases were included in the 9 selected studies, which fulfilled the selection criteria. The quality scores ranged from 35% to 84% with a median score of 55%. The 'design' subscore had the lowest median value (38%). By aggregating the data, a high chi2 value (77.576) was presented. The fail-safe number was 136 and 64 for P = 0.05 and 0.01, respectively.
Conclusion: AFP mRNA expression in peripheral blood 1 wk after surgery correlated with the recurrence of HCC and was a good predictor for tumor recurrence.