Integrated Predictors by Propensity Scoring With Tumor Markers and Plasma Levels of microRNA-21-5p, IL-17, and IL-10 Complement Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis.

The clinical usefulness of tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP) in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), including those with marker decline after antiviral therapy, is limited. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are expected to complement detection; however, their details remain unknown. Our prospective pilot study aimed to improve the surveillance of HCC high-risk LC patients by propensity scoring with tumor markers and additional predictors.