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Alpha-fetoprotein associated with islet cell tumors.
American Journal of Clinical Oncology
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may serve as a tumor marker for islet cell tumors, as elevated levels correlated with disease progression in some patients. However, this association is rare and requires careful distinction from other AFP-producing cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Islet cell tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein primarily associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as a tumor marker for islet cell tumors.
- To determine the frequency of elevated AFP levels in patients with islet cell and carcinoid tumors.
Main Methods:
- Serum AFP levels were measured in patients with islet cell tumors.
- Serial AFP measurements were correlated with disease progression.
- A broader survey of AFP levels was conducted in patients with islet cell and carcinoid tumors.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum AFP levels (100-1,000 ng/ml) were observed in three patients with islet cell tumors.
- Serial AFP levels in these patients correlated with disease progression.
- No additional cases of elevated AFP were identified in an expanded cohort of 23 islet cell tumor patients and nine carcinoid tumor patients.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may be a rare tumor marker for islet cell tumors, with levels potentially indicating disease progression.
- Elevated AFP in islet cell tumors is uncommon.
- Distinguishing AFP-producing islet cell tumors from other AFP-elevated malignancies, like hepatocellular carcinoma, is clinically significant.