Value of common laboratory parameters in predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) often have underlying liver diseases, and unlike other types of cancer, the features of HCC and residual liver function may affect patient survival after surgery. In order to help clinicians identify patients who can benefit from radical hepatectomy, this article summarizes common laboratory parameters which have guiding significance for the prognosis of HCC patients, with reference to preliminary laboratory studies and literature review. This article particularly introduces prealbumin, a serological marker which reflects liver synthetic function, and as an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients after surgery, prealbumin is integrated into the traditional Child-Pugh classification system to develop a modified liver function scoring system, which can accurately predict the prognosis of patients undergoing radical hepatectomy. This scoring system may help clinicians select HCC patients suitable for surgery.