epiLiver a novel tumor specific, high throughput and cost-effective blood test for specific detection of liver cancer (HCC)

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer world-wide [1] and is particularly prevalent in Asia; HCC occurrence is highest in areas where hepatitis B is prevalent which is a high-risk factor for HCC [2]. Follow up of high-risk populations such as chronic hepatitis patients and early diagnosis of transitions from chronic hepatitis to HCC would improve cure rates. The survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma is currently extremely low because it is almost always diagnosed at the late stages. Liver cancer could be effectively treated with cure rates of >80% if diagnosed early. Advances in imaging have improved noninvasive detection of HCC [3, 4]. However, current diagnostic methods, which include imaging and immunoassays with single proteins such as alpha-fetoprotein often fail to diagnose HCC early because of low accuracy and many early cancers are missed [2]. These challenges are not limited to HCC but common to other cancers as well.