12. Diagnostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma
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Abstract
Being the second most lethal type of cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) annually kills 650,000 individuals worldwide, approximately, prompting communal malignant tumor that accounts for more than 90% of liver cancer. We aimed to clarify the functioning of different diagnostic markers of incidence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomarkers are molecular indicators that are very imperative for the management of different diseases. Different biomarkers of HCC, such as serum and tumor biomarkers have been diagnosed and their presence in urine, tissues and serum indicates the development of the tumor. The diagnoses at early stages helps in the prevention of HCC. In the case of HCC, more than 70% of patients showed an increased level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) due to excretion of the tumor and thus the level of AFP in the body is one of the most important biomarkers of HCC. Another important biomarker is AFP-L3 is considered as more precise in the diagnosis of HCC than AFP. Percentages of AFP-L3 are measured with high sensitivity and hence known as the most important early predictor at low AFP levels. One of the significant biomarkers is DCP (Des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin) that is relatively more accurate than the other two diagnostic pointers. While differentiating malignant HCC with non- malignant liver disease, it was clear that the diagnostic value of DCP is better than AFP. DCP is a great deal more effective than AFP in diagnosing HCC on the comparatively lower level. When compared these diagnostic carcinoma biomarkers, showed the potency in a descending order from DCP>AFP> AFP-L3.
Keywords: AFP; AFP-L3; Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin; Hepatocellular carcinoma