Figure 2: Individual plots of ages and serum HB-EGF concentrations determined by immuno-PCR method. The lower limit of quantification was 5 pg/mL, and serum HB-EGF concentrations below the limit of quantification were regarded as 5 pg/mL. Open circles represent the individual HB-EGF concentrations (n=69)a). There was no correlation between ages and HB-EGF concentrations. a) One out of 70 patients had no information regarding disease stage.