Release date: 2007-08-13 A groundbreaking approach to early liver cancer detection has emerged, offering hope for millions at risk. Liver cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose, especially in regions like Asia and Africa where it's a leading cause of death. However, with rising incidence in Western countries as well, the need for better diagnostic tools has never been more urgent. Researchers from VIB University in Belgium, along with teams in Beijing and Shanghai, have developed a new blood test that can identify liver cancer at an earlier stage than ever before. This method only requires a small blood sample, making it less invasive and more accessible for patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, often linked to chronic inflammation caused by hepatitis B or C infections, or cirrhosis. Cirrhosis itself is a serious condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing the organ’s function. It can result from excessive alcohol use, viral infections, bile duct diseases, or other factors. In China alone, around 500,000 people die each year from cirrhosis or liver cancer, with 60% to 80% of liver cancer cases occurring in those with a history of cirrhosis. In Belgium, about 350 new cases are diagnosed annually, highlighting the global nature of this issue. Current diagnostic methods often rely on a single marker—AFP—which has limited accuracy and frequently leads to false positives. To address this, a team led by Xue-en Liu, Liesbeth Desmyter, and Cuiying Chen has developed a more accurate method. Their research, building on prior work by Prof. Roland Contreras and Nico Callewaert, revealed that specific sugar groups on blood proteins change depending on the disease stage. These changes correlate with tumor size, forming the basis of a new diagnostic tool. The test shows a 70% accuracy rate, matching the current AFP method but with greater potential when used together. Combining this new technique with AFP could significantly improve early detection, particularly for cirrhosis patients who previously had no reliable way to assess their risk. This advancement allows for more frequent, non-invasive monitoring, helping doctors catch liver cancer before it becomes advanced. Early diagnosis is critical, as liver cancer often presents no symptoms in its early stages, and by the time patients experience pain, weight loss, or jaundice, the disease is usually in its later phases. Liver cancer is known as "the king of cancers" due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Once symptoms appear, survival rates drop dramatically, with many patients living only six months after diagnosis. The development of this new blood test offers a promising step forward in the fight against this deadly disease, paving the way for improved treatment and better outcomes for patients worldwide. Medical Injection And Infusion Products Syringe Needle,Medical Needle,Disposable Insulin Syringes Fixed Needle,Medical Syringe Needle Surgimed Medical Supplies Co.,Ltd , https://www.surgimedcn.com
A new method for detecting liver cancer
Next Article
Spring and summer management of geese
Prev Article
Introduce the breeding habits of tilapia