Validation of bio markers for diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (H and c) in Egyptian patients suffering from hepatitis - C virus

The differential diagnosis between chronic liver diseases (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenge. The aim of this study is to identify new bio markers related to HCV metabolic changes, which are altered during tumorigenesis, and combine them with tumor specific markers in order to improve HCC surveillance among patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: This study included 137 patients with CHC, 107 of them with proven diagnosis of HCC with no metastasis. The tumor markers studied included AFP and AGP. Fibrosis markers, liver function tests, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, Cu, and zinc serum levels were determined as transition markers. Results: We were able to differentiate 100% between CLD and HCC by applying a new marker "[(log₁₀ AFP x zinc + log₁₀ AGP) / SOD] x100 " "AZAS", with a cut-off value of 9.2. The results were applicable for both genders with or without bilharzia. Conclusion: We were able to discriminate between HCC and CLD by combining their markers simultaneously. We suggest that in cancer validation studies, it is imperative to search for markers that link to the preneoplastic process, and to determine what type of mechanism is active in each stage albumin (C), and bilirubin (D)