Clinical assessment of determination of changes on serum IGF-II, TGF-α and TNF-α levels in patients with gastric cancer

Objective: To explore the significance of changes of serum IGF-II, TGF-α and TNF-α levels both before and after operation in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: Serum IGF-II, TGF-α and TNF-α levels were determined with RIA in 31 patients With gastric cancer and 35 normal healthy controls. Results: Before operation, the serum IGF-II, TGF-α and TNF-α levels in the patients were significantly higher than those in the controls(P < 0.01). 3 months after surgery, the serum IGF-II, TGF-α and TNF-α levels were no significant difference from that of controls (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Serum levels of IGF-II, TGF-α and TNR-α might be useful as an indicator for predicting therapeutic efficacy after operation in patients with gastric cancer. (authors)