Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Patients Using Circulating Methylated SEPT9 Markers
Overview
This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of circulating methylated SEPT9 compared to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis.
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with significant incidence among patients with cirrhosis. Current surveillance methods, including ultrasound and AFP, have limitations in sensitivity, particularly for early-stage disease.
Data Highlights
No numerical data available in the source material.
Key Findings
Methylated SEPT9 demonstrated higher sensitivity for HCC detection compared to AFP alone.
In a prospective study, methylated SEPT9 achieved 87.8% sensitivity for HCC versus 44.3% for AFP.
Early-stage HCC detection sensitivity was 74.5% with methylated SEPT9 compared to 23.5% with AFP.
The study adhered to the STARD guidelines for reporting diagnostic accuracy.
Patients with cirrhosis were enrolled from two French hospitals for the study.
Clinical Implications
The use of methylated SEPT9 as a biomarker may improve the accuracy of HCC surveillance in cirrhotic patients.
Conclusion
Methylated SEPT9 may serve as a complementary biomarker to AFP for HCC detection in patients with cirrhosis.
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