Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Updated Review - Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major cause of mortality in patients with chronic liver disease worldwide. Early detection of HCC is critical to providing effective treatment and can have a significant impact on survival. Currently available serum tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), are characterized by low sensitivity in the detection of HCC. The development of highly sensitive and specific serum biomarkers for HCC may greatly enhance early detection rates and improve treatment success. Recent advances in proteomics and glyco-proteomics provided various types of novel tumor markers for HCC. While the clinical availability of these tumor markers is important, the molecular mechanisms underlying the production of tumor markers requires further clarification. This paper summarizes recent studies of specific biomarkers at early diagnosis or in monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC.