Review on the clinical roles and limitations of AFP as marker for HCC and other diseases

Abstract

The tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), has been utilized in association with ultrasound and other imaging methods (HCC). Its utility is constrained by low sensitivity and specificity, as well as differences between the various measurement methods. Also, depending on the patient's characteristics and the used AFP cut-off values, its accuracy fluctuates. Des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin, a new biomarker, was combined with AFP to significantly increase its ability to identify HCC. Elevated AFP levels are usually seen in patients with acute and chronic liver diseases, as well as cirrhosis, and could indicate the severity of hepatic damage and subsequent regeneration. AFP increases can also result from hereditary conditions and other non-hepatic diseases.ase can also result from hereditary conditions and other non-hepatic diseases.