Dickkopf-1(DKK1): A Diagnostic Marker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) On Top Of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Related Diseases

Abstract

epatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of cancer in the world and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. More than 80% of its incidence is found in developing countries; rates are more than twice as high in men compared with women. HCC is the most common form among primary liver cancers occurring worldwide, about 70–85% of liver tumors. The commonly used screening method for liver cancer are ultrasound examination (US) of the liver and determination of serum AFP levels. Abdominal ultrasound is better, simple and easy method for the detection of HCC but it is an operator dependent and many focal lesions could be missed. AFP has approximately 60% specificity and 40% sensitivity for diagnosis of HCC, since minor elevations are common in the patients with chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, germ cell tumor and in pregnancies. So, it is necessary to find specific and sensitive marker for early diagnosis of HCC and for monitoring of the treatment response. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is secretory protein that up-regulated in various cancers including lung, breast, ovarian, prostatic cancers and HCC.