03-01-2024 | Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Novel Blood-Based Biomarkers for HCC
Authors:
Suraj Pai, Neehar D. Parikh
Published in:
Current Hepatology Reports
|
Issue 1/2024
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality. Early detection is crucial for improving patient survival. This review summarizes research on novel biomarkers for HCC, outlining the steps necessary prior to their use in clinical practice.
Recent Findings
The most commonly used biomarker used for HCC, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), has limited sensitivity and specificity for early detection. Recent advances have identified several novel candidates such as AFP-L3, des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which can be used independently or incorporated into algorithms such as the GALAD score to improve diagnostic utility.
Summary
Validation of reliable novel biomarkers for HCC can improve early detection, and ultimately survival in patients with HCC.