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Summary
Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels can help diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevated AFP, particularly above 400 ng/ml, is a strong indicator for this liver cancer, distinguishing it from other liver conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis relies on various markers.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein often elevated in liver cancer.
- Distinguishing HCC from other liver diseases requires reliable biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To determine the diagnostic utility of AFP in differentiating HCC from other liver conditions and malignancies.
- To investigate factors influencing AFP levels in HCC patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum AFP levels were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and double immunodiffusion.
- Study included 125 HCC cases, 66 other malignancies, 74 cirrhosis, 112 hepatitis cases, and 13 HBsAg carriers.
- Correlation analysis was performed for age, tumor cell type, and HBsAg presence with AFP levels.
Main Results:
- 90% of HCC cases showed AFP > 10 ng/ml; 69% had AFP > 400 ng/ml.
- AFP levels in HCC decreased with increasing age and correlated with immature tumor cell types.
- Other malignancies and liver diseases rarely exceeded 400 ng/ml AFP, unlike HCC.
Conclusions:
- Serum AFP levels, especially above 400 ng/ml, are highly indicative of hepatocellular carcinoma.
- AFP serves as a valuable diagnostic marker for HCC, aiding in its identification.
- AFP levels are influenced by tumor maturity but not by HBsAg status.