Hepatology and Pancreatic Science

Unlocking Emerging Biomarkers for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Elisa Thomas*

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent types of liver cancer, with a high mortality rate worldwide. Early detection of HCC is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. While conventional diagnostic methods like imaging and biopsy remain primary tools, emerging biomarkers offer promising avenues for early detection, enabling timely intervention. This article explores recent advancements in biomarkers for the early detection of HCC. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) has long been utilized as a biomarker for HCC screening. However, its sensitivity and specificity are suboptimal, leading to the exploration of novel biomarkers to complement AFP in early detection efforts. Recent studies have investigated AFP-L3 and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin isoforms of AFP, which have shown improved performance in detecting early-stage HCC. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been implicated in various cancers, including HCC. Several studies have identified specific miRNAs with diagnostic potential for early-stage HCC. For instance, miR-21, miR-122, and miR-223 have shown promise as HCC biomarkers due to their aberrant expression patterns in tumor tissues and circulation. CTCs are cancer cells that detach from primary tumours and circulate in the bloodstream.