Diagnostic Significance of alpha-Fetoprotein [AFP] in Hepatocellular Carcinoma [HCC]

ABSTRACT

Alpha-fetoprotein [a-fetoprotein, AFP] is a Glycoprotein, belonging to the class of onco-development protein. Generally designated as tumor marker, AFP is recognized as an important blood component, having specific diagnostic utilities. Elevation of its level upto pathological range in adults correlate with the appearance of several malignant and chronic conditions, such as hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and chronic liver disease, respectively. To evaluate the diagnostic significance of AFP in HCC, a study was carried out for a period of two years [Dec 1999 to Dec 2001] in 3000 male [n = 1830, 61%] and female [n = 1170,39%] adults suspected off or diagnosed with HCC and presence of HBV and HCV infections. Out of 1480 males, who depicted elevated AFP levels, 101 [6.8%] were diagnosed with HCC. Similarly, 54 [6.1%] females out of 880 with elevated levels of AFP were diagnosed with HCC. Mean elevated AFP levels in HCC patients were, 306 +/- 41 mg/ml [range 108-3010 mg/ml] in males and 196 +/- 23 mg/ml [range 98-2203 mg/ml] in females. In males, the mean APP elevated values were analyzed to be 470 mg/ml [range 28-3010 mg/ml, SE = 50], whereas in females it was 336 mg/ml [range 25-2203 mg/ml, SE = 31]. It is also noted that around 3.9% [n = 58] males and 10.11% [n = 89] female patients, with elevated levels of AFP were found negative for HCV and HBV infections. It is concluded that AFP is one of the most important markers for Hepatocellular carcinoma, helpful in assessing problems in management of HCC and monitoring treatment regiments. In addition, AFP is also an indicator of HCC risks mostly in patients with cirrhosis and HCVJHBV infections