Potential markers identified for early detection and prevention of liver cancer

(Frontiers) A new study offers hope of early detection for hepatocellular carcinoma -- the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, claiming 700,000 lives each year. The results show a dramatic increase in expression of sugar-burning 'glycolytic' genes in precancerous cirrhotic livers, associated with a significantly higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. This could lead to a biomarker which identifies those at risk of malignancy, as well as targets for new treatments.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news