Long-term prognostic impact of osteopontin and Dickkopf-related protein 1 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.

Background: New biomarkers are essential for improving the prediction of the survival and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used biomarker, but the low sensitivity and specificity limit its clinical applications. The diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of osteopontin (OPN), dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), and a combination of these biomarkers are being studied.