Scientists at Birmingham University are using cutting edge technologies to move closer to a blood test that will improve early diagnosis of liver cancer in high risk groups, according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Cancer which first arises in the liver, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is the sixth most common cancer in the world, being especially widespread in East Asia. Treatment works better the earlier it is administered, so finding a way to pick up small tumours in the liver is crucial. High-risk groups, such as people with cirrhosis of the liver, can be monitored currently, but tests are not sensitive enough to detect the disease early.
Studies at the Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies in Birmingham, in collaboration with researchers in Paris, now suggest that a new approach could find liver cancer at an earlier stage. Using sophisticated blood protein spectrum measurements analysed by computer artificial neural networks, the team was able to define and detect changes characteristic of early liver cancer.
Lead researcher Professor Philip Johnson said: "We've shown that the right combination of technology and computer analysis can 'break the code' of liver cancer and distinguish people with early liver cancer from those without the disease. Our method was more accurate than the existing liver cancer blood test.
"However, this is only the first step on a long road towards a test that can be reliably used for the many people at risk of developing primary liver cancer. We want to improve the technology to make the test even more accurate. The work to date shows that our test has the potential to reveal liver cancer before symptoms show up."