Abstract / Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. HCC largely develops in patients with chronic liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. The surveillance in such patients is extremely important for the detection of HCC as soon as possible. The comprehensive management of HCC is also required because its recurrence frequently occurs. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely accepted as a serological tumor marker for HCC and has great diagnostic value. However, its seropositivity is not necessarily suitable for the early detection of HCC. Some novel serological proteins and blood-based biomarkers have been developed in HCC patients who are seronegative for AFP at an early stage. Other serological indicators to predict the recurrence or unfavorable prognosis of HCC have been identified. Moreover, biomarkers to predict treatment outcomes have also been established in those patients. This review summarizes current trends of these serological proteins and blood-based biomarkers for HCC and discusses how to utilize the biomarkers for the early detection and conventional management of HCC.