Brief Report: Erythrocytosis Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Employing the polycythemic mouse technic, plasma erythropoiesis-stimulating factor (ESF) was assayed in eight patients with hepatocellular carcinoma of whom four had associated erythrocytosis. An increase was demonstrated in three of the four patients with erythrocytosis. Tumor homogenates from two patients with erythrocytosis were also assayed for ESF but showed no activity.