CCL2 Predicts Survival in Patients with Inoperable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Selective Internal Radiotherapy

Abstract

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the largest subgroup of primary liver tumors. Ablative therapies, such as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), are used in late stages for patients with unresectable liver metastases and no response to other therapies. CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2) is a potent monocyte chemoattractant. It is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. The role of circulating CCL2 as a biomarker in HCC undergoing selective internal radiation therapy remains unclear. Methods: A total of 41 patients (8 female, 33 male) suffering from HCC and undergoing SIRT were enrolled. Pre- and post-therapy changes in circulating CCL2 levels were determined by bead-based immunoassay and compared with clinical laboratory parameters and patient data. Results: A total of 32 patients exhibited survival beyond 60 days. It was observed that levels of CCL2 correlated with scores indicating a higher likelihood of non-survival and with the severity of the disease. Moreover, a significant inverse correlation was discovered between CCL2 levels and the survival of patients over 60 days in relation to counts of leukocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and C-reactive protein. Conclusions: CCL2 may serve as a potential marker for patient survival after SIRT. The prediction of which HCC patients are likely to benefit from SIRT may be helpful in guiding therapeutic management.