Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic and prognostic methods to determine the likelihood of a subject who has a inflammatory disease or liver disease of developing cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for identifying subjects with increased susceptibility to developing cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) where the subject has an inflammatory disease, such as, but not limited to cirrhosis, by identifying a variance or polymorphism in the human EGF gene. In particular, the methods of the present invention relate to identifying subjects with increased susceptibility to developing cancer such as HCC, where the subject has an inflammatory disease, such as but not limited to cirrhosis, and the subject is identified to have a single nucleotide polymorphism 61A>G in the 5?UTR of the EGF gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating hepatic disorders such as hepatocellular carcinoma and/or cirrhosis. A variety of informative biomarkers corresponding thereto, are provided, wherein alterations in expression relative to a control is correlated with the presence of a hepatic disorder, likelihood of survival from a hepatic disorder, and likelihood of recurrence of a hepatic disorder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inducing large volume heat ablations of tissue in a patient involving electrodes that are in contact with the patient's external surface or the surface of an internal organ. A high frequency signal or output from a generator is applied to the tissue near the area electrodes by connection of the generator to the electrodes. Various applications and configurations of electrodes and temperature monitoring are appropriate for different clinical needs and thermal distributions. The use for interoperative ablation of a tumor site within an internal organ or for ablation of a tumor from electrodes placed on the surface of the patient provides a clinical advantage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inducing large volume heat ablations of tissue in a patient involving electrodes that are in contact with the patient's external surface or the surface of an internal organ. A high frequency signal or output from a generator is applied to the tissue near the area electrodes by connection of the generator to the electrodes. Various applications and configurations of electrodes and temperature monitoring are appropriate for different clinical needs and thermal distributions. The use for interoperative ablation of a tumor site within an internal organ or for ablation of a tumor from electrodes placed on the surface of the patient provides a clinical advantage.