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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.
Literature
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Metadata
Title
Novel Blood-Based Biomarkers for HCC
Authors
Suraj Pai
Neehar D. Parikh
Publication date
03-01-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Hepatology Reports / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2195-9595
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11901-023-00626-3

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