Cell-Free DNA Versus Circulating Tumor Cells: A Pilot Study of Alpha-Fetoprotein Analysis for Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management, yet its limited sensitivity and specificity restrict diagnostic and prognostic utility. In this study, we explore the clinical potential of AFP quantification from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using a novel bead-based liquid biopsy platform. Following isolation, AFP abundance in cfDNA was quantified by qPCR, while AFP protein expression in CTCs was assessed via immunohistochemistry. Compared to serum AFP, cfDNA-derived AFP demonstrated significantly greater diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing HCC patients from non-cancerous individuals (p < 0.0001, AUC = 0.998), while AFP⁺ CTCs showed high specificity. Post-treatment changes in AFP levels from cfDNA an

SUBMITTER: Moon GY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12467720 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature