Serum albumin-bound proteomic signature for early detection and staging of hepatocarcinoma: sample variability and data classification.

Background: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) proteomic signature might be of interest for the early detection and staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, published procedures have been criticized for the lack of data about analytical reproducibility, and the use of inadequate data processing.

Methods: MALDI-TOF profiling of peptides bound to serum albumin ("albuminome") was performed using 90 μL of serum from 45 study subjects (HCV-related cirrhosis, small, unifocal HCCs and advanced HCCs).