Metabolite Biomarkers for Identifying Liver Cancer Patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for most cases of liver cancer worldwide, and according to the National Cancer Institute hepatitis C (HCV) is a major risk factor for liver cancer due to the damage it causes the liver. The relative survival rate for liver cancer patients is poor for all stages due to a lack of significant treatment options, but particularly so for HCV patients due to difficulties in detecting the disease.

Purdue researchers have identified unique metabolite biomarkers in the blood of hepatitis C patients who have developed liver cancer. The identification of these molecules in an assay can help to diagnose liver cancer earlier for these at-risk patients, as well as contribute to the discovery of new drug formulations for better relative survival rates.

Advantages:

- Identify liver cancer high-risk patients non-invasively

- Generate information to create more effective liver cancer therapies

- Earlier detection of cancer in high-risk patients

TRL: 2

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Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, liver cancer, hepatitis C, HCV, metabolite biomarkers, non-invasive diagnosis, earlier detection, drug formulations, cancer therapy