Press Release

28.11.2008

AIGO starts a multicenter prospective study to assess the diagnostic value of SCCA-IgM for liver cancer

The Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists (AIGO) has organized a multicenter, prospective, observational study to validate the diagnostic value of the novel biomarker SCCA-IgM (Xeptagen) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study, coordinated by Prof. Mario Salvagnini, Gastroenterology Unit, Vicenza Hospital and Prof. Mauro Borzio, Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan started on November 16th 2008 in 15 major Italian clinical centres by initiating the recruitment of 150 volunteers among cirrhotic patients who underwent regular HCC surveillance programs. Additional expected study outcomes are the comparison of SCCA-IgM diagnostic sensitivity with AFP and the correlation of SCCA-IgM serum levels with HCC survival and/or evolution.