Serum lnc34a is a Potential Prediction Biomarker for Bone Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Abstract

BackgroundEarly screening and intervention therapies are crucial to improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with bone metastasis. We aimed to identify serum lncRNA as a prediction biomarker in HCC bone metastasis.MethodsThe expression levels of lnc34a in serum samples from 157 HCC patients were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to determine statistically significant variables.ResultsExpression levels of lnc34a in serum from HCC patients with bone metastasis were significantly higher than those without bone metastasis. And high expression of lnc34a, vascular invasion and BCLC stage were associated with bone metastasis by analysis. Moreover, lnc34a expression was specifically associated with bone metastasis rather than lung or lymph node metastasis in HCC.ConclusionsHigh serum lnc34a expression was a independent risk factor for developing bone metastasis in HCC.