Potential Molecular Markers in Liver Cancer

Anuradha S. Budhu, PhD, senior associate scientist, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, program manager, Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, discusses using molecular features as predictive markers in liver cancer.

Genes are an important molecular feature that can shed light on individual biology, says Budhu. As such, investigators compare normally expressed genes with dysregulated or overexpressed genes to gain insight on cancer biology.

Other potential markers include microRNAs and downstream affecters of gene signaling such as metabolites and proteins, says Budhu.

By measuring the abundance of these features, investigators are aiming to understand tumor biology. These markers may help to identify liver cancer in patients, predict the aggressiveness of the disease, and determine which patients will benefit the most from treatment.