Long Noncoding RNAs as a diagnostic marker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Cirrhosis

Background: One of the most common cancers in the world and a leading cause of cancer-related death is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in individuals with underlying liver cirrhosis. Despite advances in diagnostic modalities, early identification of HCC remains a critical challenge. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring. So, we aimed to evaluate (LncRNAs) as diagnostic marker for HCC in Cirrhotic patient. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at The center of Hepatology and Gastroenterology (Sohag) from June 2024 to February 2025, enrolling 180 individuals divided into: Group I: 60 patients with liver cirrhosis and confirmed HCC, Group II: 60 patients with liver cirrhosis but no evidence of HCC and Group III : 60 healthy subjects. All participants underwent thorough clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, radiological imaging, and analysis of specific lncRNA expression levels in peripheral blood using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: When compared to both healthy controls and cirrhotic patients without cancer, the HCC group's levels of the lncRNAs under investigation were noticeably higher. Of the 120 patients in group I-II, 84 had a substantial increase in lncRNAs, and the identified lncRNAs had good sensitivity and specificity in identifying HCC. Its sensitivity and specificity are roughly 71% and 56%, respectively. Conclusion: Circulating long noncoding RNAs represent valuable non-invasive biomarkers with potential utility in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma among cirrhotic patients. Their incorporation into clinical practice may enhance diagnostic precision and improve patient outcomes.