Metabolic phenotyping combined with transcriptomics metadata fortifies the diagnosis of early-stage Hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The low sensitivity of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) renders it unsuitable as a stand-alone marker for early hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC) surveillance. Therefore, additional blood-based biomarkers with enhanced sensitivities are required.

Objectives

In light of the metabolic changes that are distinctive to eHCC development, the current study presents a panel of serum metabolites that may serve as noninvasive diagnostic indicators for patients with eHCC.

Methods

Serum samples obtained from normal control (NC), cirrhosis, and eHCC patients were analyzed by four different metabolomic platforms. A meta-analysis of very early-stage HCC transcriptomic datasets retrieved from public sources supports the integrated interpretation with metabolic changes.

Results</

SUBMITTER: Kim SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12302345 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature