The Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Follow-up for Recurrence of Sacrococcygeal Teratoma; a Nationwide Review of SCT Cases in the Netherlands

Lieke J. van Heurn*, Marijke E.B. Kremer, Ivo de Blaauw, Robertine van Baren, Wim G. van Gemert, Johannes B. van Goudoever, Cornelius E.J. Sloots, Marieke J. Witvliet, L. W. Ernest van Heurn, Joep P.M. Derikx

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is often used as tumour marker for recurrent sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT). We aimed to assess the normal dynamics of serum AFP levels after initial resection and diagnostic accuracy of serum AFP levels the follow-up for recurrence in SCT. Methods: This retrospective study included 57 patients treated for SCT in the six pediatric surgical centers in the Netherlands from 1980 to 2018. Main results: 57 patients were included in the study of whom 19 children developed 20 recurrences at a median of 14.0 months after initial resection. No significant difference was found in serum AFP level dynamics between the recurrence and non-recurrence group after initial resection (p = 0.950). Serum AFP levels did not significantly increase before recurrence (p = 0.106) compared to serum AFP levels of children without recurrence at the same time. However, serum AFP levels did significantly increase in malignant recurrences (n = 7) (p = 0.03) compared to patients without recurrence. A cut-off value of 55 μg/L was found to be predictive for recurrent SCT with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.636 with sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 100%. Conclusion: Dynamics of serum AFP levels are not different between patients with and without recurrence after initial resection of SCT. Serum AFP levels are not predictive for mature or immature recurrent SCT and normal AFP levels do not rule out recurrent SCT. However, serum AFP levels exceeding 55 μg/L can indicate recurrent SCT, especially malignant recurrences.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1740-1745
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery
Volume59
Issue number9
Early online date3 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

Keywords

  • Alpha-fetoprotein
  • Recurrence
  • Sacrococcygeal teratoma

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