Evaluating platelet-related measures as predictive biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Identifying effective biomarkers is essential for early diagnosis and management. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (GPR), and platelet count (PLTs) in distinguishing HCC from other liver conditions and healthy controls. We aim to evaluate the potential role of PLT-related measures in early diagnosis of HCC. Patients and methods A total of 195 participants were classified into three groups: 90 HCC patients, 55 patients with chronic liver conditions (including hepatic cirrhosis, fibrosis, chronic hepatitis, and benign liver masses), and 50 healthy controls. PLR and GPR were measured and compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of PLR, GPR, and PLTs. Results Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher, while albumin and PLT counts were significantly lower in HCC and chronic liver condition groups compared to healthy controls ( P <0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that GPR had the highest diagnostic accuracy for HCC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878, sensitivity of 93.3%, and specificity of 95% at a cutoff value of 0.6589. PLR showed an AUC of 0.792, sensitivity of 88.3%, and specificity of 85% at a cutoff value of 55. PLTs demonstrated lower diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.629. Conclusion GPR is a highly effective biomarker for diagnosing HCC, with superior diagnostic accuracy compared to PLR and PLTs. These findings support the use of GPR in clinical practice for the early detection of HCC.