Somatic Copy Number Alterations in Circulating Cell-Free DNA as a Prognostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Insights from a Proof-of-Concept Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Despite advances in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management, prognosis remains poor. Advanced-stage diagnosis often excludes curative treatments, and current biomarkers (e.g., alpha-fetoprotein [AFP]) have limited utility in early detection. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising cancer detection tool, with circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) showing significant diagnostic potential. This proof-of-concept study aimed to investigate the potential role of tumor fraction (TF) within ccfDNA as a biomarker in HCC patients.

Methods

A total of sixty patients were recruited, including thirteen with chronic liver disease (CLD), twenty-four with cirrhosis, and twenty-three with HCC. Plasma samples were collected, and ccfDNA was extracted for shallow whole geno

SUBMITTER: Pinto E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11988118 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature