Measuring serum levels of glycosaminoglycans for prediction and using viscum fraxini-2 for treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim of the study

To assess the usefulness of measuring serum concentrations of some individual components of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and their degradation enzymes in the early prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate the patients' response to treatment with the investigational drug viscum fraxini-2 (mistletoe) in the selected clinical cases.

Methods

Seventy-five patients with HCC, forty patients with liver cirrhosis and thirty control subjects were included in the current research study. Serum α-fetoprotein (AFP), liver function tests (LFTs), some individual components of GAGs and their degradation enzymes were measured in all subjects. The response to the treatment was measured in the selected clinical cases who received a weekly subcutaneous injection of mistletoe in addition to the best supportive care.

Results

Patients with HCC showed an alteration in the serum levels of some individual components of GAGs with an increasing in the activity of their degradation enzymes. Only 26% of patients who received mistletoe achieved a partial response with tolerable toxicities.

Conclusion

Measuring the disturbance of serum levels of GAGs and the elevation of their degradation enzymes may be of a value in the early diagnosis of HCC. Viscum fraxini-2 may have a role in the treatment of HCC and deserve further trials.