Clinical significance of measurement the changes on serum TGF-α TGF-β₁ and CA19-9 levels both before and after operation in patients with primary liver cancer

Objective: To explore the clinical significance of measurement the changes on serum TGF-α, TGF-β₁ and CA19-9 levels both before ant after operation in patients with primary liver cancer. Methods: Serum TGF-α, TGF-β₁ and CA19-9(with RIA) levels were determined in 30 patients with primary liver cancer(PLC) both before after operation and compared to 35 normal controls. Results: Before operation, the serum TGF-α, TGF-β₁ and CA19-9 levels in the patients were remarkably higher than these in controls (P < 0.01). 6 months after operation. The differences between the levels in patients and controls were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Changes of serum TGF-α, TGF-β₁ and CA19-9 levels both before and after operation might be of important clinical value in patients with primary liver cancer clinically. (authors)