Developments and current status of cell‐free DNA in the early detection and management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Nowadays, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major threat to human health globally, with a disappointing prognosis. Regular monitoring of patients at high risk, utilizing abdominal ultrasonography combined with alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) serum analysis, enables the early detection of potentially treatable tumors. However, the approach has limitations due to its lack of sensitivity. Meanwhile, the current standard procedure for obtaining a tumor biopsy in cases of HCC is invasive and lacks the ability to assess the dynamic progression of cancer or account for tumor heterogeneity. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop non‐invasive, highly sensitive biomarkers for HCC which can improve the accuracy of early diagnosis, assess treatment response and accurately predict the prognosis. In contrast to the conventional method of tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy offers a non‐invasive approach that can be readily repeated. As a liquid biopsy approach, the analysis of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) offers real‐time insights that can accurately portray the tumor burden and provide a comprehensive depiction of the genetic profile associated with HCC. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the recent research findings pertaining to the significance and potential practicality of cfDNA analysis in the early detection and effective management of HCC.

Low serum double-stranded DNA levels are associated with higher survival rates in severe COPD patients

“…Once released into the extracellular space, dsDNA can be recognised by specific receptors, such as toll-like receptor 9, of the innate immune system, initiating cytokine release and potentially triggering pyroptosis, an inflammatory and lytic form of cell death [ 44 , 45 ]. Circulating levels of cell-free DNA, including dsDNA and mitochondrial DNA, have been linked to the development and/or progression of various conditions such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic organ rejection and myocardial infarction [ 44 , 46 – 50 ]. Our current study suggests that an elevated serum level of dsDNA might also have a potential role in identifying COPD patients at higher risk of death among other already known predictors.…”

Emerging and Clinically Accepted Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…ctDNA, or cell-free DNA (cfDNA), is the most recent emerging biomarker in the detection and management of HCC [62]. ctDNA allows for identification of oncogenic mutations, observation of tumor dynamics, and detection of disease or residual tumor tissue post-treatment [63].…”