alternative liver cancer screening for those w/ cirrhosis

[Clong12]

I am looking into alternative ways of screening for HCC liver cancer because the current screening guidelines regularly fail to catch the cancer early enough.

For those of us who have well-compensated cirrhosis, even though our livers are compensating, the risk of HCC remains very high for our entire lives. Considering how deadly is, catching this early is my top priority.

There's relatively new screening methods including a blood test called GRAIL. It is for all cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. My hospital offers it. I'm not sure how insurance or anything works yet. This is just one of a few newer screening methods for cancer, and there will be a lot more and better in the future.

I'm also going to look into paying for extra MRI scans, although I'm not saying everyone should do this. It's just what I'm doing because it could be my only shot of survival if the normal screenings don't pick it up in time. These are just some things to think about because it's not talked about often on here, but we are all at very high risk of HCC even if our livers otherwise bounced back

[LorraineLouise]

I go for MRI ‘s every 6months ,

So if any lesions pop up. They can be monitored.

I hope this helps.

Lorraine Louise

[nash2 Partner]

screening is a regular thing and I'm pleased that you are focused on it. Early detection is a bit complicated with liver. I've been told by a transplant surgeon that they don't do anything until a tumor is at least 2 centimeters. I don't know if that was a local rule or a formal guideline. Worth talking with your doc about what the treatment threshold would be for you. It may be that earlier detection won't change things regarding treatment.

[Livmar]

I get an alpha-fetoprotein) tumor marker test done every 6 months in addition to MRI’s , Ultrasound and Cat-scans.

[nash2 Partner]

Here are some of the latest research results on liver cancer blood tests:

1. **Biomarkers in Blood to Predict Liver Cancer**:

- Researchers at Mass General Brigham have identified specific biomarkers in blood that can predict liver cancer. This early detection has the potential to transform treatment and outcomes in cancer care. The study emphasizes the importance of these biomarkers in identifying liver cancer at an early stage.

2. **Blood Test Using Fragmentomics to Detect Liver Cancer**:

- A blood test developed by researchers uses fragmentomics to detect liver cancer. It was found that DNA fragments in the blood of people with liver cancer vary significantly in size compared to those without the disease. This method could provide a non-invasive way to detect liver cancer early.

3. **What’s New in Liver Cancer Research**:

- The American Cancer Society highlights new developments in liver cancer research, including targeted drugs like Ramucirumab (Cyramza), which works by blocking new blood vessel growth, potentially resulting in tumor shrinkage. Although this isn't a blood test, it represents a significant advancement in liver cancer treatment.

[Bez1986]

Maybe have a look at Prenuvo MRIs.