HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA (HCC) AND DIAGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF α-FETOPROTEIN (AFP)
Abstract
Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (α-fetoprotein, AFP) is a Glycoprotein, belonging to theintriguing class of onco-development protein. Generally designated as tumour marker, AFP is
recognized as an important blood component, having specific diagnostic utilities Elevation of
its level up to pathological range in adults correlate with the appearance of several malignant
and chronic conditions, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease,
respectively. Methods: To evaluate the diagnostic significance of AFP in HCC, a study was
carried out for a period of two years (Jan 2004 to Dec 2005) A brief history of Patients was
taken with clinical symptoms and signs and initial diagnosis. Patients admitted in wards or
visiting OPDs with diagnosis or suspicions of HCC and additional conditions of Chronic
Liver disease (CLDs), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections, were
selected and classified according to gender. When confirmed, their HCC status was evaluated
and classified according to clinical condition. Results: In 1012 adults including, males 762
(75.3%) and females 250 (24.7%) patients suspected of or diagnosed with HCC and presence
of HBV and HCV infections. Out of 480 males, who depicted elevated AFP levels, 39
(8.13%) were diagnosed with HCC. Similarly, 7 (5.34%) females out of 131 with elevated
levels of AFP were diagnosed with HCC. Mean elevated AFP levels in all HCC patients were,
42159 µg/ml (range 157-4019 µg/ml) in males and 16332 µg/ml (range 101-2341 µg/ml)
in females. In males, the overall estimated mean AFP elevated values were analysed to be 514
µg/ml (range 67-4019±59 µg/ml,), whereas in females it was 396±42 µg/ml (range 21-2341
µg/ml). It was also noted that 43 (8.96%) males and 7 (5.34%) female patients, exhibited
elevated levels of AFP, however, found negative for HCV and HBV infections. Conclusion:
It is concluded that AFP is a significant 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 HCV/HBV
infections
Keywords: AFP, Hepatocellular carcinoma HCC, Hepatitis infections HCV, HBV
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