# Research Communication: Serum Metabolomic Signatures Predict Tumour Recurrence After Resection or Ablation in Patients With Early‐Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

## TL;DR

This study shows that serum metabolite signatures can predict tumor recurrence in early-stage liver cancer patients after treatment.

## Contribution

The study validates specific metabolite signatures for predicting recurrence after curative therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma.

## Key findings

- A 6-metabolite signature was associated with early tumor recurrence after treatment.
- A 13-metabolite signature predicted overall recurrence in HCC patients.
- Metabolomic profiling could improve risk stratification for post-treatment recurrence.

## Abstract

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often experience recurrence after curative therapies, underscoring a need for risk stratification models. We validated 6 and 13‐metabolite signatures in patients who achieved complete response following surgical resection or local ablation. Of 78 patients, 32 (41.0%) died and 40 (51.3%) experienced recurrence, of whom 35 (87.5%) had early recurrence. In multivariable analysis, the 6‐metabolite signature was associated with early recurrence (aHR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1–7.5), and the 13‐metabolite signature was associated with overall recurrence (aHR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–6.0). These data support the potential role of serum metabolites in post‐treatment risk stratification for HCC recurrence.

Serum metabolites may guide post‐treatment risk stratification for HCC recurrence.