CD14 and neoplasm: However, elevated sCD14-ST/presepsin levels have been reported in noninfectious inflammatory disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.[36] Furthermore, Ikegame et al recently reported that monocytes and macrophages secrete presepsin after phagocytosis of CD14-positive neutrophils.[37] Thus, the highly elevated sCD14-ST/presepsin levels in our patient may reflect the excessive phagocytosis of CD14-positive blood cells and/or sCD14-expressing apoptotic hepatocytes in the tumor environment.