Potential Indicators for the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Strategy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary malignancy of the liver, ranks among the top five most common cancers globally and is associated with high mortality due to its poor prognosis, late-stage detection, and limited therapeutic success. Early diagnosis is essential to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Biomarkers have emerged as vital tools for the early detection, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of HCC, with many detectable in serum or urine at quantifiable levels. These biomarkers may be overexpressed, downregulated, or involved in regulatory pathways affecting other proteins and molecules, thereby serving as potential indicators of tumor development. This review aims to provide an updated overview of promising HCC biomarkers, highlighting their diagnostic value and clinical utility. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, evaluated for quality, and thematically categorized according to the type and function of biomarkers. The review emphasizes the translational potential of these indicators in developing more effective diagnostic strategies for HCC.