Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024.
World J Hepatol. May 27, 2024; 16(5): 716-730
Published online May 27, 2024. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i5.716
Table 2 Genetic and other screening technologies for hepatocellular carcinoma

Advantages
Disadvantages
AFP testingWidely used; relatively cost-effectiveLimited sensitivity, especially in early-stage HCC; prone to false positives/negatives
Genomic profiling (next-Generation sequencing, whole-genome sequencing)High sensitivity for detecting genetic alterations; provides comprehensive genomic informationCostly; complex data analysis; may identify variants of uncertain significance
Liquid biopsy (circulating tumor DNA)Non-invasive; potential for early detection; provides real-time monitoringLimited sensitivity in early stages; technical challenges; standardization concerns
Imaging techniques (MRI, CT, ultrasound)Commonly used; assesses tumor characteristics and locationLimited sensitivity for small lesions; exposure to radiation (CT); may not detect molecular changes
Molecular biomarkers (miRNA, methylation patterns)High specificity; potential for early detectionVariable sensitivity; limited standardization; assay complexity
Circulating tumor cells analysisMay reflect metastatic potential; potential for real-time monitoringRare in early stages; technical challenges; standardization issues