Changes in the Glycosylation of Kininogen and the Development of a Kininogen-Based Algorithm for the Early Detection of HCC

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the greatest increase in mortality among all solids tumors in the United States related to low rates of early tumor detection. Development of noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of HCC may reduce HCC-related mortality. Methods: We have developed an algorithm that combines routinely observed clinical values into a single equation that in a study of >3,000 patients from 5 independent sites improved detection of HCC as compared with the currently used biomarker, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), by 4% to 20%. However, this algorithm had limited benefit in those with AFP Results: The ability to detect early-stage AFP-negative (AFP Conclusions: An algorithm combining fucosylated kininogen, AFP, and clinical characteristics is highly accurate for early HCC detection. Impact: Our biomarker algorithm could significantly improve early HCC detection and curative treatment eligibility in patients with cirrhosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 795–803. ©2017 AACR .