Researchers have identified potential biomarkers in blood DNA which could be used as a parameter for early detection of liver cancer, most cases of which are currently diagnosed at an advances and usually fatal stage.

A total of 12,000 males and over 11,900 females recruited in 1991-2 are being followed. Screenings performed by the team of Mailman School scientists found changes associated with cancer in serum DNA, presumably released from the tumor, one to nine years before actual clinical diagnosis.

Together with other risk factors, such as age, hepatitis infections , smoking and history of alcohol consumption, the serum DNA-based test esulted in an overall predictive accuracy of 89% for detection of hepatocellular or liver carcinomas. The results of the study are published in the April 15 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.

Source: Science Daily