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Studies on alpha-fetoprotein produced by renal cell carcinoma
S Saito1, T Hatano, M Hayakawa
1Department of Urology, University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan.
Cancer
|February 1, 1989
Summary
A rare case of Stage IV renal cell carcinoma (RCC) producing alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was observed. Post-surgery, AFP levels normalized, indicating successful treatment of this unusual cancer presentation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common kidney cancer.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is typically associated with liver cancer or fetal development.
- Elevated AFP in RCC without liver metastasis is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old man presented with Stage IV RCC invading the colon and elevated serum AFP (418 ng/ml).
- Tumor cells showed positive immunohistochemistry for AFP.
- Post-radical surgery, serum AFP levels normalized to 0.9 ng/ml.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed clear cell adenocarcinoma.
- Concanavalin A chromatography revealed 47% Con A nonreactive AFP, characteristic of fetal-type AFP.
- The study identified a rare instance of AFP-producing RCC.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering non-typical tumor markers in RCC diagnosis.
- AFP production in RCC may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring treatment response.
- Further research into the mechanisms of AFP production in RCC is warranted.