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Preclinical and post-treatment changes in the HCC-associated serum proteome
D G Ward1, Y Cheng, G N'Kontchou
1Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
British Journal of Cancer
|October 25, 2006
Summary
This study investigated proteomic profiles in hepatitis C patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Findings suggest HCC proteomic features do not normalize after treatment, indicating a link to underlying liver disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Proteomics
- Biomarker Discovery
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma Research
Background:
- Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI)-based proteomic profiling is utilized for cancer biomarker discovery.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis in hepatitis C patients has been achieved using this technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that HCC-associated proteomic features normalize post-treatment, similar to alpha-fetoprotein.
- To analyze serial serum samples from hepatitis C patients before, during, and after HCC development and treatment.
Main Methods:
- SELDI-based proteomic profiling of serial serum samples.
- Analysis of 37 hepatitis C patients undergoing treatment for HCC.
Main Results:
- Several SELDI peaks significantly changed during HCC development but did not reverse after radiofrequency ablation.
- Beta-2 microglobulin (m/z 11720) was the most significant HCC-associated proteomic feature.
- Data suggest HCC proteomic profiles may reflect underlying liver disease or precancerous lesions rather than direct tumor burden.
Conclusions:
- HCC-associated proteomic features in serum do not appear to normalize after successful tumor ablation.
- The observed proteomic changes may be associated with the progression of underlying liver disease or precancerous conditions in hepatitis C patients.
