Encouraging use of the PIVKA-II Biomarker in the detection of liver cancer in Cuba
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The work on the use of the PIVKA-II biomarker in Cuba for the early detection of liver carcinoma was presented at the National Imaging Conference ORIENTIMAGEN 2025 held by the end of February in the city of Holguín.
Dr. Dayron Páez Suárez, clinical hepatologist at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital, said that this biomarker, also known as des-gamma carboxy prothrombin II, is used to improve early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in patients with liver cirrosis.
Although patients diagnosed with cirrhosis undergo abdominal ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein, both tests have limitations, as there are certain cases in which carcinoma is not detected unless it is found in an advanced stage.
Dr. Pedro Pablo González Rojas is the lead radiologist of the multidisciplinary team that conducts the PIVKA-II research for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, based on advanced dynamic studies, performed by multidetector computed tomography and high-field magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate liver lesions.
Dr. González Rojas added that these dynamic studies are performed on patients with chronic liver disease with a focal lesión. A contrast medium is administered to establish the dynamic behavior of that lesion, after the administration of the contrast. Based on these findings specialists can establish whether or not it is a hepatocellular carcinoma and the action to follow.
The also President of the Cuban Society of Imaging explained embolization is one of the most effective treatments for HCC, performed by interventional radiologist.
The National Imaging Conference contributed to the development of the specialty, with a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.
