The diagnostic value of plasma exosomal hsa_circ_0070396 for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: We aimed to identify novel exosomal circular RNAs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis. Materials & methods: Exosomes were extracted and characterized. The expression level of exosomal circRNAs were verified via quantitative real-time PCR. The diagnostic value of candidate circRNAs was evaluated according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: The exosomal circ_0070396 significantly elevated in HCC patients than other control groups and it performed better in distinguishing HCC patients from healthy donors than that of α-fetoprotein. Combination of two above markers exerted greater diagnostic performance. Exosomal circ_0070396 could discriminate HCC individuals from patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. Intriguingly, exosomal circ_0070396 was positively correlated with HCC progression. Conclusion: Exosomal circ_0070396 may be a potential biomarker for HCC detection and management.