Identifying blood markers for liver cancer diagnosis
Identification of New Serum Diagnostic Markers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
This study is trying to find new blood markers that can help doctors better diagnose liver cancer, especially since the current tests miss a lot of cases.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT00373347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to discover new blood markers that can improve the accuracy of diagnosing liver cancer, which is often difficult to detect. Currently, the main blood marker used is alpha-feto protein (AFP), but it fails to identify 40-60% of liver cancer cases due to its lack of specificity and sensitivity. By identifying additional serum markers, the study hopes to enhance diagnostic capabilities, potentially using these markers alone or alongside AFP. The research involves analyzing blood samples from patients diagnosed with liver cancer and other liver conditions to find more reliable diagnostic indicators.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with liver cancer or those with non-cancer liver conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
Not a fit: Patients without liver cancer or those whose medical records lack necessary information for analysis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of liver cancer, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored blood markers for liver cancer, but this approach aims to identify novel markers, making it a potentially innovative effort.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with liver cancer based on biopsy or serum AFP level, associated with characteristic hypervascular liver tumors on triphasic spiral CT scan or MRI. * Patients with non-cancer liver conditions such as cirrhosis, adenoma, cholangioma, or nodular hyperplasia. * Patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infections not associated with liver cancer. Exclusion Criteria: -Patients will be excluded if, upon looking through their medical records, information required for data analysis are missing.
Where this trial is running
Stanford, California
- Stanford University School of Medicine — Stanford, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Samuel So — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Mei-Sze Chua
- Email: mchua@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-724-3525
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.