26008 Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin (DCP)

Risk assessment of patients with chronic liver disease for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Aiding in the monitoring of HCC patients post therapy if des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) level was elevated prior to therapy

Some patients who have been exposed to animal antigens, either in the environment or as part of treatment or imaging procedures, may have circulating anti-animal antibodies present. These antibodies may interfere with the assay reagents to produce unreliable results.

Serum markers are not specific for malignancy, and values may vary by method. Do not interpret des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease. Results should be used in conjunction with information from the clinical evaluation of the patient, cytology, and imaging procedures.

DCP producing tumors other than hepatocellular carcinoma can show elevated DCP values.

Liver disease caused by other etiologies such as alcohol liver disease, hematochromatosis, Wilson disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and steatohepatitis have not been studied with this assay.

Medication containing vitamin K preparations may cause a negative bias with DCP values.

Medication containing vitamin K antagonist or antibiotic may cause a positive bias with DCP values. 

In patients with an elevated des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) result (> or =7.5 ng/mL), the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is 36.5% (95% CI 23.5%-49.6%). The risk of developing HCC with a negative DCP result (<7.5 ng/mL) is 7.6% (95% CI 4.4%-10.8%).

For patients with HCC and an elevated DCP level prior to therapy, an elevated DCP level posttherapy is associated with an increased risk of HCC recurring.