Use of Blood Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Launched by AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA SPECIALIZZATA IN GASTROENTEROLOGIA SAVERIO DE BELLIS · Mar 11, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at the use of three specific blood tests—called biomarkers—to help doctors detect liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC) early in people who are at high risk. The main goal is to see how well these biomarkers work together to predict the onset of HCC and to understand how their levels relate to the different stages of the disease. The study will also assess two scoring systems, GALAD and GALADUS, that may assist in the early diagnosis of HCC.

If you or a loved one has liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis and does not have HCC yet, you may be eligible to participate in this trial. Patients already diagnosed with HCC are also being studied. Participants will provide blood samples for testing, and the study aims to gather important information about how these biomarkers can improve early detection of liver cancer. It's worth noting that individuals taking the blood-thinning medication Warfarin cannot participate, as it could affect test results. This research could lead to better ways to identify liver cancer sooner, which is crucial for effective treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• 1. Case Group:
• • Patients with HCC first diagnosed from cirrhosis or other aetiology
• 2. Controls group:
• • Candidate patients for HCC surveillance, with liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis of any etiology without HCC seen at our institution
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients treated with Warfarin, an anticoagulant, as it can increase DCP levels in the absence of HCC, risking giving false positives