 |
|
New test improves detection of liver cancer
August 09, 2007Ghent, Belgium − Cancer of the liver is very difficult to detect, and it is a major cause of death in Asia and Africa, with rising incidence in Western countries as well. Now, VIB researchers connected to Ghent University, in collaboration with research centers in Beijing and Shanghai in China, have developed a test to detect liver cancer in an early stage. A small blood sample is the only requirement for the test. The new test enables accurate detection of liver cancer in over 50% of the cases for which previous diagnostic tests have not been able to provide a definitive answer.
Liver cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer. The disease most often appears following a chronic inflammation of the liver as a consequence of a hepatitis B or C virus infection or cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis of the liver comprises a group of liver diseases in which the normal liver cells become damaged and are replaced by scar tissue. This reduces the amount of healthy liver tissue, and the accumulation of scar tissue disrupts the development and functioning of this complex organ. Cirrhosis of the liver has various causes, including: excessive use of alcohol, chronic viral hepatitis B, C and D infections, diseases of the bile ducts, and parasitic infections.
Half a million patients die every year in China because of cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. 60% to 80% of the patients with liver cancer have a previous history of cirrhosis of the liver. In Belgium as well, 350 new cases of liver cancer occur each year. Transplantation often offers the only possible remedy. Detection methods that would detect HCC in an early stage would save many lives.
Current detection methods
Methods of detecting malignant growths are often based on the concentration of particular substances - called 'markers' - present in the blood. For the detection of HCC, only one marker (AFP) is generally used. However, this marker has a low specificity and is frequently inadequate because of false-positive results.
New blood test
A new test for detecting HCC was developed by Xue-en Liu, Liesbeth Desmyter and colleagues under the supervision of Cuiying Chen (Chitty) in collaboration with scientists in China. This test is based on previous work of Prof. em. Roland Contreras and Nico Callewaert.
By examining blood concentrations in Chinese patients with cirrhosis of the liver due to a hepatitis B virus infection, they found that the quantities of two particular sugar groups that appear on the blood proteins varied according to the stage of the disease. Furthermore, these values correlated with the size of the tumor. The ratio of these values forms the basis of the new blood test. The researchers were able to make the correct diagnosis in 70% of the cases − a success rate that equals that of the AFP tumor marker currently being used in the clinic.
Promising results
When the AFP test is used in combination with the new test, the accuracy of HCC diagnosis rises dramatically. The new test succeeds in detecting liver cancer in more than half of the patients with cirrhosis of the liver for which the AFP test provides no answer. This test would allow frequent and non-invasive analyses to be carried out on cirrhosis patients, which would enable scientists to detect liver cancer in an earlier stage and to closely monitor the development of the disease.
At the moment, the researchers are working on implementing this test for the diagnosis of liver disease in compliance with clinical practice. The new results concerning HCC diagnosis provide an extra incentive for pursuing this development as intensively as possible.
VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology
Half a million patients die every year in China because of cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. 60% to 80% of the patients with liver cancer have a previous history of cirrhosis of the liver. In Belgium as well, 350 new cases of liver cancer occur each year. Transplantation often offers the only possible remedy. Detection methods that would detect HCC in an early stage would save many lives.
Current detection methods
Methods of detecting malignant growths are often based on the concentration of particular substances - called 'markers' - present in the blood. For the detection of HCC, only one marker (AFP) is generally used. However, this marker has a low specificity and is frequently inadequate because of false-positive results.
New blood test
A new test for detecting HCC was developed by Xue-en Liu, Liesbeth Desmyter and colleagues under the supervision of Cuiying Chen (Chitty) in collaboration with scientists in China. This test is based on previous work of Prof. em. Roland Contreras and Nico Callewaert.
By examining blood concentrations in Chinese patients with cirrhosis of the liver due to a hepatitis B virus infection, they found that the quantities of two particular sugar groups that appear on the blood proteins varied according to the stage of the disease. Furthermore, these values correlated with the size of the tumor. The ratio of these values forms the basis of the new blood test. The researchers were able to make the correct diagnosis in 70% of the cases − a success rate that equals that of the AFP tumor marker currently being used in the clinic.
Promising results
When the AFP test is used in combination with the new test, the accuracy of HCC diagnosis rises dramatically. The new test succeeds in detecting liver cancer in more than half of the patients with cirrhosis of the liver for which the AFP test provides no answer. This test would allow frequent and non-invasive analyses to be carried out on cirrhosis patients, which would enable scientists to detect liver cancer in an earlier stage and to closely monitor the development of the disease.
At the moment, the researchers are working on implementing this test for the diagnosis of liver disease in compliance with clinical practice. The new results concerning HCC diagnosis provide an extra incentive for pursuing this development as intensively as possible.
VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology
Liver Cancer Current Events and Liver Cancer News RSSToward explaining why hepatitis B hits men harder than women
Scientists in China are reporting discovery of unusual liver proteins, found only in males, that may help explain the long-standing mystery of why the hepatitis B virus (HBV) sexually discriminates -- hitting men harder than women.
Largest-ever database for liver proteins may lead to treatments for hepatitis
Scientists at a group of 11 research centers in China are reporting for the first time assembly of the largest-ever collection of data about the proteins produced by genes in a single human organ.
1 disease, not 1 demographic
The Asian continent has nearly four billion people living in 47 different countries, and each of these groups has their own unique set of health issues. But when they come to the United States, they're often lumped into one large demographic: "Asian/Pacific Islander."
Parasite growth hormone pushes human cells to liver cancer
Scientists have found that the human liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) contributes to the development of bile duct (liver) cancer by secreting granulin, a growth hormone that is known to cause uncontrolled growth of cells.
Certain cancers more common among HIV patients than non-HIV patients
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that non-AIDS-defining malignancies such as anal and lung cancer have become more prevalent among HIV-infected patients than non-HIV patients since the introduction of anti-retroviral therapies in the mid-1990s.
Discovery could improve hepatitis C treatment
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers are part of an international team that has discovered a genetic variation that could identify those people infected with hepatitis C who are most likely to benefit from current treatments.
Sorafenib significantly improves the length of time before breast cancer worsens
ne of the first of a series of trials to investigate the use of sorafenib - a targeted anti-cancer drug - for the treatment of advanced breast cancer has found that if it is combined with the chemotherapy drug, capecitabine, it makes a significant difference to the time women live without their disease worsening.
Penn State College of Medicine research isolates liver cancer stem cells prior to tumor formation
Penn State College of Medicine researchers, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Southern California, have taken an important step in understanding the role of stem cells in development of liver cancer.
New biomarker predicts response to hepatitis C treatment
Researchers have identified the first genetic marker that predicts response to hepatitis C treatments, and a single letter of DNA code appears to make a huge difference.
Sequential TACE and cryosurgery can improve survival times for patients with HCC?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)--a liver cancer--is recognized as one of the most common cancers in the world that disproportionately affects Southeast Asians and Africans.
More Liver Cancer Current Events and Liver Cancer News Articles
 |
100 Q&A About Liver Cancer, Second Edition (100 Questions & Answers about . . .) by Ghassan Abou-Alfa (Author), Ronald DeMatteo (Author) EMPOWER YOURSELF! Whether you're a newly diagnosed liver cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide the doctor's and patient's/caregiver's views, 100 Questions & Answers About Liver Cancer gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by a medical oncologist and a gastrointestinal surgeon, with actual patient/caregiver commentary, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. |
 |
Liver Cancer: Current and Emerging Trends in Detection and Treatment (Cancer and Modern Science) by Tamra B. Orr (Author) |
 |
Cancer Be Gone Guided imagery CD taps into the immense power of the mind to enhance comfort, healing, an optimistic attitude and positive expectations. Metaphor of "cancer as weeds in a garden that are easily managed". |
 |
FlameEz-Liver, 60 Capsules/Bottle by FlameEz There are many types of liver disease. Whether the liver is infected with a virus or injured by chemicals, the process of the liver damage always involves inflammation. If properly treated, the inflammation may go away and the liver can heal itself. If left untreated, the inflamed liver will start to scar. As excess scar tissue grows, it replaces healthy liver tissue and leads to fibrosis or cirrhosis. Although it is important to treat the liver disease in the inflammation and fibrosis stages, the treatment choice is limited because many drugs are metabolized by the liver and a few drugs that are used routinely to treat liver disease have significant side effects. Natural remedies are available as alternative approach for liver disease. FlameEz-Liver is a high quality natural liver... |
 |
Liver Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Liver Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Liver Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Liver Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
|
Ali (Follow a young girl's battle with a rare form of liver cancer) Also With: Aquarius Health Care Video (Primary Contributor) | |
 |
Cure Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer Sweatshirt X-Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Fight Against Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer Mug by Design a Product LLC Text on mug: Fight Against Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug. |
|
Surgsat: Professional Video Journal in General Surgery Volume II: 11:21 Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, 11:22 Operative Treatment of Cancer of the Colon, 11:23-24 The Technique of Total Thyroidectomy c1986 Video tape. John L. Cameron, M.D., editor. The John Hopkins Medical Institutions. CME-SAT. | |
 |
DANGER MDA MAY CAUSE CANCER LIVER TOXIN AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY RESPIRATORS AN by Accuform Signs ADHESIVE DURA VINYL (XV) Dual-layered Adhesive Dura Vinyl delivers exceptional flexibility and performance. Durability, even in the toughest indoor and outdoor conditions.Material Features: High-gloss over-laminate film is bonded to printed image. Sub-surface legend protected from water, chemicals and abrasion. Flexible, 6-mil thick vinyl. Permanent acrylic adhesive backing. Service temperature range: -20°F to 140°F. Durability: 5-7 years outdoors. Square corners without holes; scored backing for quick peel-off and application. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |