Seminar “Clinical Value Of Combining AFP, PIVKA-II And GAAD Tests For Early Liver Cancer Detection”

Tam Anh Research Institute (TAMRI) and Tam Anh General Hospital in HCMC hosted a seminar titled “Clinical Value Of Combining AFP, PIVKA-II And GAAD Tests For Early Liver Cancer Detection” on November 21, 2024.

The event featured presentations by leading experts and doctors from Tam Anh General Hospital in HCMC, including:

• Assoc. Prof. Tran Quang Binh, MD, PhD – Chief Medical Officer
• Assoc. Prof. Pham Hung Cuong, MD, PhD – Vice Chief Medical Officer
• Pham Cong Khanh, MD, PhD – Head of the Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Department, Gastrointestinal and Endo-laparoscopic Surgery Center
• Tran Thi Thanh Nga, MD – Director of Laboratory Center

The seminar also welcomed over 100 healthcare professionals from the hospital.

Medical professionals attend the seminar at Tam Anh Research Institute on November 11, 2024

Assoc. Prof. Tran Quang Binh – Chief Medical Officer – opened the program with a heartfelt thanks to the speakers, attendees, and Roche Vietnam for their sponsorship.

“Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is on the rise and ranks among the top five deadliest cancers in Vietnam. Early detection through standardized or opportunistic screening is critical. Identifying liver cancer at an early stage can significantly improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life,” he said.

Assoc. Prof. Tran Quang Binh, MD, PhD – Chief Medical Officer at Tam Anh General Hospital in HCMC – delivers opening remarks

Pham Cong Khanh, MD, PhD, followed up with a presentation about high-risk groups and the importance of early detection of HCC. He shared insights into the risks and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, stressing the importance of regular screening for high-risk groups such as patients with liver fibrosis and chronic hepatitis B or C. According to him, screening intervals should be every 3–6 months for high-risk individuals. He added that abdominal ultrasound combined with AFP testing can miss up to one-third of early-stage liver cancers and approximately 50% of liver cancer cases do not exhibit elevated AFP levels. Combining ultrasound with biomarkers like AFP and PIVKA-II significantly enhances early detection. This is crucial for timely intervention, which remains the most effective strategy to prevent the life-threatening consequences of liver cancer.

Pham Cong Khanh, MD, PhD – Head of the Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Department – during his presentation

Tran Thi Thanh Nga, MD – Director of Laboratory Center – discussed the improved diagnostic accuracy of integrating multiple biomarkers. According to her, AFP and ultrasound are commonly used with 63% sensitivity for liver cancer detection. Meanwhile, PIVKA-II complements AFP, especially in identifying small tumors (<3 cm) and in AFP-negative cases. As for GAAD Biomarker, it significantly improves early detection rates: 88.5% sensitivity for early-stage HCC. 92.5% sensitivity for all HCC stages when combined with ultrasound.

Tran Thi Thanh Nga, MD – Director of Laboratory Center – during her presentation

During the panel discussion, participants exchanged insights on current diagnostic methods and advanced treatment protocols for liver cancer being implemented worldwide and at Tam Anh General Hospital.

Assoc. Prof. Tran Quang Binh, MD, PhD – Chief Medical Officer at Tam Anh General Hospital in HCMC – presents a certificate to Roche Vietnam  in appreciation of their sponsorship

Seminars like this are a hallmark of Tâm Anh General Hospital’s commitment to professional development. Organized weekly in collaboration with the Tâm Anh Research Institute, these sessions provide valuable updates in medical knowledge, fostering a dynamic learning environment that enhances patient care quality.