Exploring the Predictive Value of Circulating Cell-Free DNA Within a Multiparameter Panel for Hepatocellular...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Hepatology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health challenge.
• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a common but imperfect biomarker for early HCC detection.
• Novel biomarkers are needed to improve HCC screening in high-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic value of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) fragment size in early HCC detection.
• To evaluate the added benefit of ccfDNA fragment size in a multiparameter panel for HCC diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of 125 chronic liver disease patients.
• Measurement of ccfDNA fragment size using on-chip electrophoresis.
• Statistical analysis including logistic regression and ROC curve analysis.

Main Results:

• ccfDNA fragment size was significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis and HCC compared to those with cirrhosis alone (p < 0.001).
• ccfDNA fragment size was not an independent predictor of HCC in this cohort.
• A combined model including AFP, age, liver reserve, and ccfDNA fragment size did not outperform a model without ccfDNA.

Conclusions:

• While ccfDNA fragment size is reduced in HCC, its utility in a multimarker panel for early detection is limited.
• Age and platelet count were identified as strong independent predictors in this exploratory cohort.
• Further validation in larger cohorts is necessary to confirm the diagnostic value of ccfDNA and other markers.