Stage-Specific Molecular Diagnostics for Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, according to WHO and Global Cancer Observatory ۲۰۲۳. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer and ranks third in cancer-related deaths globally. HCC screening methods include MRI, abdominal ultrasonography, CT, liver biopsy, serological tests, and biomarker testing. However, these techniques have limited sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the need for new diagnostic tools. Molecular diagnosis aims to identify alterations in DNA and RNA. This review will explore molecular markers relevant to HCC diagnosis and prognosis. Biomarker testing like AFP, GP۷۳, and ZAG can enhance the initial diagnosis of HCC alongside traditional imaging methods. GP۷۳ has shown greater sensitivity than AFP for early-stage HCC detection. Certain microRNAs such as miR-۱۰۱, miR-۱۸a, miR-۵۰۰, and miR-۲۵(specific in HCC tissue) are upregulated in HCC, while miR-۲۹, miR-۱۹۹a/b-۳p, and miR-۱۲۲ are downregulated in HCC cells. lncRNAs may have significant regulatory functions in HCC. lncRNAs like AX۸۰۰۱۳۴, MEG۳, and lncRNA-UC۰۰۳WBD/lncRNA-AF۰۸۵۹۳۵ are emerging as potential biomarkers for HBV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma. tsRNAs, which are small non-coding RNAs, are present in plasma exosomes from liver cancer patients, suggesting their diagnostic potential. Four specific tsRNAs were found to be notably more prevalent in the plasma exosomes of liver cancer patients. Molecular diagnostics like ctDNA and miRNA aid in prognosis and treatment monitoring of lung diseases and HCC. ctDNA is a valuable biomarker due to its genetic changes that help evaluate tumor burden and treatment response in HCC. The expression levels of certain miRNAs can predict disease-free and overall survival, particularly in relation to metastasis. Additionally, miR-۱۵۵ is linked to microvascular invasion and tumor recurrence. High DCP levels indicate advanced HCC stages and larger tumors. TAG-۷۲ overexpression suggests a reduced survival chance, marking it as a potential prognostic marker for HCC. Liver cancer ranks as one of the ten most prevalent cancers in both men and women, and comprehending the distinct molecular markers linked to different stages of liver cancer is vital for both prompt diagnosis and effective management of the disease. This research seeks to uncover efficient molecular diagnostic methods for prompt identification, while concurrently exploring the understanding of the treatment procedure to prevent unnecessary expenditure of time and resources.

کلیدواژه ها:

Molecular Diagnostic ، Liver Neoplasms ، Hepatocellular Cancer ، Biomarkers