Battle of the Biopsies: Role of tissue and liquid biopsy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis and management have undergone significant improvements in recent years. With the introduction of immunotherapy-based combination therapy, there has been a notable expansion in treatment options for patients with unresectable HCC. Simultaneously, innovative molecular tests for early detection and management of HCC are emerging. This progress prompts a key question: as liquid biopsy techniques rise in prominence, will they replace traditional tissue biopsies, or will both techniques remain relevant? Given the ongoing challenges of early HCC detection, including issues with ultrasound sensitivity, accessibility, and patient adherence to surveillance, the evolution of diagnostic techniques is more relevant than ever.
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research