Tumor marker clustering predicts hepatocellular carcinoma outcomes.

A multi-institutional study analyzed 1,515 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, revealing distinct prognostic clusters based on preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels. Notably, patients with concurrent elevated AFP and DCP faced a 5-year overall survival rate of 52.8% and a recurrence rate of 79.3%. In contrast, those with low levels of both markers showed better outcomes, highlighting the importance of these biomarkers in guiding personalized treatment and surveillance strategies.