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Yang J, Yang Z, Zeng X, Yu S, Gao L, Jiang Y, Sun F. Benefits and harms of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk populations: systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2023; 3:175-185. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
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2
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Zeng H, Cao M, Xia C, Wang D, Chen K, Zhu Z, Fu R, Zhang S, Zhou J, Wang H, Qi X, Dai S, Chen Y, Sun Z, Ding H, Li Q, Zhao H, Zhang X, Morze J, Ji JS, Sun F, Yu X, Qu C, Chen W. Performance and effectiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma screening in individuals with HBsAg seropositivity in China: a multicenter prospective study. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1382-1394. [PMID: 37667043 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00618-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Current guidelines recommend hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance for at-risk individuals, including individuals with hepatitis B virus infection. However, the performance and survival benefits of annual screening have not been evaluated through multicenter prospective studies in a Chinese population. Between 2017 and 2021, we included 14,426 participants with hepatitis B surface antigen seropositivity in an annual HCC screening study in China using a multicenter prospective design with ultrasonography and serum alpha-fetoprotein. After four rounds of screening and follow-up, the adjusted hazard ratios of death after correction for lead-time and length-time biases for screen-detected cancers at the prevalent and incident rounds were 0.74 (95% confidence interval = 0.60-0.91) and 0.52 (95% confidence interval = 0.40-0.68), respectively. A meta-analysis demonstrated that HCC screening was associated with improved survival after adjusting for lead-time bias. Our findings highlight the 'real-world' feasibility and effectiveness of annual HCC screening in community settings for the early detection of HCC and to improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Zeng
- National Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Maomao Cao
- Office of Cancer Screening, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Changfa Xia
- Office of Cancer Screening, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiying Fu
- National Central Cancer Registry, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaokai Zhang
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Cancer Prevention and Control, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cancer Prevention, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyi Zhou
- Department for Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Control, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Public Health Research Institute of Jiangsu Province), Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huadong Wang
- Department of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and Treatment, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianyun Qi
- Department of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and Treatment, Yingdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuguang Dai
- Sheyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yancheng, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Chen
- Binhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yancheng, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Sun
- Dancheng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoukou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Ding
- Mengcheng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Bozhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingwen Li
- Shenqiu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoukou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Lingbi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jakub Morze
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, SGMK University, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqin Yu
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chunfeng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wanqing Chen
- Office of Cancer Screening, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Dirchwolf M, Marciano S, Ruf AE, Singal AG, D'Ercole V, Coisson P, Zerega A, Orozco F, Palazzo A, Fassio E, Arufe D, Anders M, D'Amico C, Gaite L, Thompson M, Perez D, Haddad L, Demirdjian E, Zunino M, Gadano A, Murga MD, Bermudez C, Tomatis J, Grigera N, Antinucci F, Baravalle M, Gazari MMR, Ferreiro M, Barbero M, Curia A, Demonte M, Gualano G. Failure in all steps of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance process is frequent in daily practice. Ann Hepatol 2022; 25:100344. [PMID: 33819695 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Failures at any step in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance process can result in HCC diagnostic delays and associated worse prognosis. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of surveillance failure and its associated risk factors in patients with HCC in Argentina, considering three steps: 1) recognition of at-risk patients, 2) implementation of HCC surveillance, 3) success of HCC surveillance. METHODS We performed a multi-center cross-sectional study of patients at-risk for HCC in Argentina seen between10.01.2018 and 10.30.2019. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates of surveillance failure. RESULTS Of 301 included patients, the majority were male (74.8%) with a mean age of 64 years old. At the time of HCC diagnosis, 75 (25%) patients were unaware of their diagnosis of chronic liver disease, and only 130 (43%) patients were under HCC surveillance. Receipt of HCC surveillance was significantly associated with follow-up by a hepatologist. Of 119 patients with complete surveillance, surveillance failure occurred in 30 (25%) patients. Surveillance failure was significantly associated with alpha fetoprotein ≥20 ng/mL (OR 4.0, CI 95% 1.43-11.55). CONCLUSIONS HCC surveillance failure was frequent in all the evaluated steps. These data should help guide strategies to improve the implementation and results of HCC surveillance in our country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andres E Ruf
- Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Vanina D'Ercole
- Hospital Complejo Médico de la Policía Federal Churruca - Visca, CABA, Argentina
| | - Paola Coisson
- Hospital El Cruce - Néstor Kirchner, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alina Zerega
- Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Hospital Córdoba, Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Ana Palazzo
- Hospital Ángel C. Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Fassio
- Hospital Nacional Prof. Alejandro Posadas, El Palomar, Buenos Aires. Argentina
| | | | | | - Claudia D'Amico
- Centro Especialidades Médicas Ambulatoria, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Gaite
- Hospital José M. Cullen, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina; Clínica de Nefrología, Urología y Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marcos Thompson
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Perez
- Hospital Ángel C. Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Leila Haddad
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Moira Zunino
- Hospital Ángel C. Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Jesica Tomatis
- Hospital Privado de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Melina Ferreiro
- Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín (UBA), CABA, Argentina
| | - Manuel Barbero
- Hospital El Cruce - Néstor Kirchner, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Curia
- Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín (UBA), CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Gisela Gualano
- Hospital Nacional Prof. Alejandro Posadas, El Palomar, Buenos Aires. Argentina
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Mattos ÂZ, Debes JD, Dhanasekaran R, Benhammou JN, Arrese M, Patrício ALV, Zilio AC, Mattos AA. Hepatocellular carcinoma in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A growing challenge. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1107-1121. [PMID: 34630878 PMCID: PMC8473502 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i9.1107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide, and its prevalence increases continuously. As it predisposes to hepatocellular carcinoma both in the presence and in the absence of cirrhosis, it is not surprising that the incidence of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma would also rise. Some of the mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis are particular to individuals with fatty liver, and they help explain why liver cancer develops even in patients without cirrhosis. Genetic and immune-mediated mechanisms seem to play an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in this population. Currently, it is consensual that patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis should be surveilled with ultrasonography every 6 mo (with or without alpha-fetoprotein), but it is known that they are less likely to follow this recommendation than individuals with other kinds of liver disease. Moreover, the performance of the methods of surveillance are lower in NAFLD than they are in other liver diseases. Furthermore, it is not clear which subgroups of patients without cirrhosis should undergo surveillance. Understanding the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis in NAFLD could hopefully lead to the identification of biomarkers to be used in the surveillance for liver cancer in these individuals. By improving surveillance, tumors could be detected in earlier stages, amenable to curative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo Z Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90020-090, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jose D Debes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and of Gastroenterology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Renu Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Jihane N Benhammou
- The Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Marco Arrese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 3580000, Chile
| | - André Luiz V Patrício
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90020-090, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Amanda C Zilio
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90020-090, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Angelo A Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90020-090, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Inadequate Ultrasound Examination in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163535. [PMID: 34441831 PMCID: PMC8397222 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to systematically evaluate the incidence of inadequate US in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance and determine the risk factors. Original studies reporting the incidence or risk factors for inadequate US were identified in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database. The pooled incidence of inadequate US was calculated using a random effects model, and subgroup analyses were performed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated for each risk factor for inadequate US. Six eligible articles were identified from 756 screened articles (4250 patients). The pooled incidence of inadequate US was 21.5%. Significantly higher rates of inadequate US were noted in studies including patients with and without hepatic observations compared with those evaluating only patients with hepatic observations (23.2% vs. 18.8%), studies using US alone compared with US plus alpha-fetoprotein (28.0% vs. 20.8%), and those using pathology and imaging as a reference standard compared with imaging only (23.2% vs. 17.9%). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (OR = 2.3 (1.07–4.84)), Child–Pugh B cirrhosis (OR = 2.2 (1.10–4.37)), and high body mass index (OR = 2.2 (1.12–4.24)) were significant risk factors for inadequate US (p ≤ 0.04). In patients at risk of HCC, 21.5% of US surveillance was inadequate. An alternative surveillance modality might be considered in patients with risk factors.
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Anugwom CM, Allaire M, Akbar SMF, Sultan A, Bollipo S, Mattos AZ, Debes JD. Hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma: surveillance strategy directed by immune-epidemiology. HEPATOMA RESEARCH 2021; 7. [PMID: 33884303 PMCID: PMC8057710 DOI: 10.20517/2394-5079.2021.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection (HBV) is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The age of occurrence, prognosis and incidence vary dramatically depending on the region of the world. This geographic variation is largely dependent on the contrasting incidence of HBV, age of transmission of the virus, the timing of integration into the human genome, and different HBV genotypes, as well as environmental factors. It results in a wide difference in viral interaction with the immune system, genomic modulation and the consequent development of HCC in an individual. In this review, we describe many factors implicated in HCC development, provide insight regarding at-risk populations and explain societal recommendations for HCC surveillance in persons living with HBV in different continents of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimaobi M Anugwom
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA
| | - Manon Allaire
- Sorbonne Université, Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, AP-HP, Paris 75103, France.,Inserm U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, France Faculté de Médecine, Xavier Bichat, Université Paris Diderot, Paris 75108, France
| | - Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Amir Sultan
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa 5657, Ethiopia
| | - Steven Bollipo
- Department of Gastroenterology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia & School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2310, Australia
| | - Angelo Z Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre 90020-090, Brazil
| | - Jose D Debes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015-CE, Netherlands
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7
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Sparchez Z, Craciun R, Caraiani C, Horhat A, Nenu I, Procopet B, Sparchez M, Stefanescu H, Mocan T. Ultrasound or Sectional Imaging Techniques as Screening Tools for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Fall Forward or Move Forward? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10050903. [PMID: 33668839 PMCID: PMC7956684 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10050903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is probably the epitome of a screening target, with a well-defined high-risk population, accessible screening methods, and multiple curative-intent treatments available for early disease. Per major societies guideline consensus, biannual ultrasound (US) surveillance of the at-risk patients is the current standard of care worldwide. Yet, despite its documented success in the past decades, this standard is far from perfect. While the whole community is working to further tighten the knots, a worrying number of cases still slip through this safety net. Consequently, these patients lose their chance to a curative solution which leads to a high disease burden with disproportionate mortality. While US will probably remain the fundamental staple in the screening strategy, key questions are seeking better answers. How can its caveats be addressed, and the technique be improved? When are further steps needed? How to increase accuracy without giving up on accessibility? This narrative review discusses the place of US surveillance in the bigger HCC picture, trying to navigate through its strengths and limits based on the most recent available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeno Sparchez
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Rares Craciun
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Cosmin Caraiani
- Department of Medical Imaging, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Adelina Horhat
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Iuliana Nenu
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Bogdan Procopet
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Sparchez
- Paediatric Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Horia Stefanescu
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Tudor Mocan
- 3rd Medical Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (Z.S.); (A.H.); (I.N.); (B.P.); (T.M.)
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Piñero F, Dirchwolf M, Pessôa MG. Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment Response Assessment. Cells 2020; 9:E1370. [PMID: 32492896 PMCID: PMC7349517 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main cancer-related causes of death worldwide. Thus, there is a constant search for improvement in screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of this malignancy. The identification of useful biomarkers for surveillance and early HCC diagnosis is still deficient, with available serum biomarkers showing low sensitivity and heterogeneous specificity despite different cut-off points, even when assessed longitudinally, or with a combination of serum biomarkers. In contrast, HCC biomarkers used for prognostic (when associated with clinical outcomes) or predictive purposes (when associated with treatment response) may have an increased clinical role in the near future. Furthermore, some serum biomarkers are already implicated as a treatment selection tool, whether to provide access to certain therapies or to assess clinical benefit after treatment. In the present review we will discuss the clinical utility and foreseen future of HCC biomarkers implicated in surveillance, diagnosis, prognosis, and post-treatment assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, School of Medicine, Austral University, B1629AHJ Buenos Aires, Argentina;
- Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN), B1629AHJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Liver Unit, Hospital Privado de Rosario, 2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina;
| | - Mário G. Pessôa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, 05403-000 São Paulo, Brazil
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