Can We Use Osteopontin as a Reliable Marker for Diagnosis of Early HCC in Chronic HBV Monoinfected Saudi Patients

Background: Chronic hepatitis is a worldwide disease with a catastrophing end as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the current study was to assess performance of biomarkers for early detection of HCC among Chronic Monoinfected HBV Saudi patients. We selected alpha feto protein (AFP) and serum Osteopontin (OPN) as biomarkers to investigate their performance as early diagnostic biomarkers. Subjects and methods: 250 Saudi subjects were included in this study and classified into three groups. First group included 50 healthy subjects serving as control group. Second group consisted of 100 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. The third group included 100 patients suffering from Early HCC. The condition of liver pathology (in early HCC patients) was confirmed by liver biopsy or spiral CT scan. Demographic and biochemical investigations were recorded and both alpha-feto protein (AFP) and osteopontin (OPN) were measured. Results: Performance of markers included in diagnosis of early HCC AUC was 0.78 for AFP and 0.87 for osteopontin; the best cutoff value for AFP was ≥25 ng/ml; while for OPN it was ≥135 ng/m. At the best cutoff value OPN had sensitivity of 100%, specificity 65%, PPV 66.7% , NPV 84.6% and overall accuracy 93% (CI: 0.621-0.931 and P value: 0.003), AFP showed 90% sensitivity, 55% specificity, PPV 74%, NPV 89% and overall accuracy 80% (CI: 0.765-0.980 and P value: 0.001).

Conclusion: OPN showed better sensitivity in diagnosis of early HCC than AFP and plasma OPN estimation can be considered as a reliable marker for diagnosis of early HCC.