GPC-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma; A novel biomarker and molecular target

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health issue due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. The early detection and diagnosis of HCC with specific and sensitive biomarkers and using novel treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes are essential. Glypican-3 (GPC-3) is a cell surface proteoglycan that is overexpressed in many tumors, including HCC. GPC-3 could be used as a specific biomarker for HCC early detection and could be a potential target for precise therapeutic strategies. Effective identification of GPC-3 could improve both diagnosis and targeted therapy of HCC. Moreover, targeted therapy using GPC-3 could result in a better treatment outcome. Recently, GPC3-targeted therapies have been used in different investigational therapeutic approaches like bi-specific/monoclonal antibodies, peptide vaccines, and CAR T cell therapies. This study aims to highlight the theranostic potential of GPC-3 as a novel biomarker for early detection and as a potential molecular target for HCC treatment as well.