Long non-coding RNA-based single and combination independent prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma

Although significant advances have been made in the prevention and therapy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still one of the most frequent and fatal human cancers worldwide. Discovery of independent prognostic biomarkers for the early identification and timely treatment of HCC patients with poor prognosis remains a key goal to achieve better patient survival. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is one of the most-investigated classes of non-coding RNAs and plays important roles in controlling the occurrence and development of HCC through regulation of oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression. Moreover, alterations in the expression levels of many lncRNAs are frequently observed in tumor tissues and blood circulation of HCC patients. LncRNAs have emerged as potential independent biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. This review comprehensively summarizes the evidence in the literature validating a single or a combination of lncRNA biomarker(s) with independent prognostic value in HCC patients.