Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening Using a Novel Multi-Protein Biomarker Panel: A Prospective Cohort Study

• • The multi-protein panel (AFP, DCP, GP73) achieved an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.95), significantly outperforming AFP alone (AUC 0.78) for HCC detection, enabling earlier diagnosis and improved survival. • • At 90% specificity, the panel reached 85% sensitivity for early-stage HCC (BCLC 0/A), versus 55% for AFP, a 30% absolute improvement that could reduce missed diagnoses in high-risk surveillance. • • The panel's positive predictive value (78%) and negative predictive value (94%) indicate high clinical utility, reducing unnecessary biopsies and reassuring patients with negative results. • • Consistent diagnostic performance across hepatitis B and C etiologies (AUC >0.90 in both subgroups) supports broad applicability in diverse patient populations.