Novel Blood-Based Biomarkers for HCC

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.

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.

Validation of reliable novel biomarkers for HCC can improve early detection, and ultimately survival in patients with HCC.