Serum thymidine kinase 1 protein concentration for predicting early progression and monitoring the response to TACE in hepatocellular carcinomas: a network meta-analysis

AIM: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of serum thymidine kinase 1 protein concentration (STK1p) in distinguishing between hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and non-HCC for predicting early progression and monitoring the response to transarterial chemoembolization in HCC. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 24 eligible studies were included, containing 1849 HCC patients and 1069 healthy subjects. RESULTS: The STK1p level significantly increased from normal controls to benign/pre-HCC and HCC (p < 0.0001). STK1p also increased significantly in sub-malignant groups: control being the lowest, followed consecutively by hepatic hemangioma, hepatitis B virus infection and hepatic cirrhosis (p < 0.05). After 1 month of transarterial chemoembolization treatment, STK1p level declined significantly, by 44.4% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: STK1p is a useful prognostic biomarker in HCC.