Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular liver function monitoring
- Avoidance of alcohol and hepatotoxins
- Engagement in regular physical activity
Blutwerte · Marker
AFP
Alpha-Fetoprotein · AFP
Tumormarker & Screening
- Einheit:
- ng/mL
AFP quantifies the level of alpha-fetoprotein, a glycoprotein associated with fetal development and liver pathology.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0–10ng/mL
0
10
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mLReference ranges may vary slightly based on laboratory standards and patient demographics.
Overview
Übersicht
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein primarily produced during fetal development, playing a crucial role in immune regulation and maintaining immune balance during pregnancy. Postnatally, AFP expression is typically suppressed, except in cases of hepatocyte injury, regeneration, or malignant transformation, where its levels may rise. Clinically, AFP is a well-established biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), used in screening, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response. It is also associated with certain germ cell tumors. Researchers have developed various biosensing technologies to enhance AFP detection, offering increased sensitivity and real-time monitoring. In the context of athletic performance, biohacking, or longevity, AFP does not have a direct application. However, monitoring AFP levels could be relevant for individuals with liver health concerns, as it may reflect liver function and potential malignancies. Caveats in AFP testing include variability due to liver necroinflammation, the etiology of liver disease, and the need for standardized cut-off values. Additionally, factors such as recent intense exercise or biotin supplementation may interfere with test results, necessitating careful interpretation.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated AFP levels can indicate liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma or germ cell tumors. Low levels are typical in healthy adults postnatally.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising AFP levels suggest worsening liver pathology or malignancy. Retest every 4 weeks if levels are outside the optimal range.
Falling Values
Progressively falling AFP levels may indicate effective treatment or resolution of liver pathology.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Liver cirrhosis
- Germ cell tumors
- Liver regeneration
- Hepatitis
Cause
Low Levels
- Healthy adult postnatal state
- Effective cancer treatment
- Resolved liver inflammation
- Normal liver function
- Non-malignant liver conditions
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet rich in antioxidants
- Adequate protein intake
- Reduction of processed foods
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if liver disease is suspected.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Every 6 months for high-risk individuals or those with liver disease.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Biotin supplementation
- Acute liver inflammation
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the optimal cut-off levels for AFP in different populations and disease states remain debated, particularly regarding its accuracy in liver disease contexts. Researchers have not yet established the full utility of combining AFP with other biomarkers like PIVKA-II for early HCC detection, especially in AFP-negative patients. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered about the long-term prognostic value of AFP in post-transplant settings and its effectiveness in monitoring treatment responses across diverse patient demographics.
20 Research Publications
1,429
Total Citations
4
Human/RCT
5.5
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
The Performance of AFP, AFP-3, DCP as Biomarkers for Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): A Phase 3 Biomarker Study in the United States.
Tayob Nabihah, et al. · Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2023
HumanInfluence17.0
190
This phase 3 study evaluated the performance of AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection. Researchers found that GALAD had the highest true positive rate for HCC detection but also increased false-positive results. The study concluded that while GALAD improved sensitivity, its performance was modest compared to other biomarkers.
Key findings
- 01GALAD demonstrated a higher true positive rate for detecting HCC compared to individual biomarkers.
- 02The use of GALAD resulted in an increased rate of false positives.
- 03The performance of GALAD was not significantly better than that of AFP-L3 alone or the HES scoring system.
02Top
#02
PIVKA-II serves as a potential biomarker that complements AFP for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
HumanInfluence6.0
158
This study evaluated the diagnostic value of PIVKA-II as a complement to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers found that combining PIVKA-II with AFP improved diagnostic efficiency, especially for AFP-negative patients.
03Top
#03
Elevated alpha-fetoprotein: differential diagnosis - hepatocellular carcinoma and other disorders.
ReviewInfluence3.0
153
This study focused on the differential diagnosis of elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other disorders. Researchers found that combining AFP-L3 with DCP can improve risk assessment for HCC. The findings suggest that monitoring these biomarkers can help predict disease progression and recurrence.
04
#04
Alpha-fetoprotein: a renaissance.
ReviewInfluence3.0
140
This review summarized the advancements in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) research over the past 50 years. Researchers found that while AFP is a significant tumor-associated protein, its biological role and mechanisms remain unclear, necessitating further investigation.
05
#05
Effects of alpha-fetoprotein on the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
ReviewInfluence6.0
139
This review examined the effects of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers found that elevated AFP levels are common in HCC patients and that AFP plays a complex role in regulating cell proliferation and immune response. The study suggests further exploration of AFP's role in HCC development.
06
#06
Utility of combining PIVKA-II and AFP in the surveillance and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region.
UnknownInfluence5.0
134
A panel of experts discussed the combined use of PIVKA-II and AFP for monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers found that PIVKA-II could enhance detection of early HCC, particularly in AFP-negative patients, but noted the need for further evidence.
07
#07
AFP-L3 and DCP strongly predict early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation.
Norman Joshua S, et al. · Journal of hepatology · 2023
HumanInfluence14.0
132
This study investigated the predictive capabilities of AFP-L3 and DCP in identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation. Researchers found that a dual-biomarker combination of AFP-L3 and DCP strongly predicted post-transplant HCC recurrence, outperforming AFP alone.
Key findings
- 01AFP-L3 and DCP outperformed AFP in predicting liver cancer recurrence after transplantation.
- 02A combination of AFP-L3 ≥15% and DCP ≥7.5 predicted 61.1% of recurrences.
- 03Patients with high levels of both biomarkers had a significantly lower chance of remaining cancer-free after three years.
08
#08
Alpha-fetoprotein: a review.
ReviewInfluence2.0
120
This review discussed the historical and clinical significance of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in various conditions. Researchers found that elevated AFP levels can indicate fetal abnormalities and certain malignancies, and highlighted its utility in monitoring cancer recurrence.
09
#09
Alpha-fetoprotein: Past, present, and future.
ReviewInfluence2.0
73
This review examined the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in immune regulation, its use as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its potential as a therapeutic target. Researchers found that AFP is a powerful prognostic biomarker for HCC and is useful in monitoring treatment responses.
10
#10
Alpha-fetoprotein for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Transplant Selection.
Trevisani Franco, et al. · Seminars in liver disease · 2019
ReviewInfluence2.0
68
This review analyzed the utility of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis and prognosis. Researchers found that AFP remains the most utilized biomarker for HCC and is valuable in selecting candidates for liver transplantation. The study emphasizes its importance in predicting cancer recurrence.
Key findings
- 01AFP remains the most widely used biomarker for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- 02The study emphasizes AFP's significance in assessing prognosis for patients receiving treatment for HCC.
- 03Incorporating AFP into transplant criteria can help identify patients at higher risk of cancer recurrence.
Clinical Trials (6)
6
Total Trials
2,969
Total Enrolled
STOP HCC-GAAD-APAC-Thailand
NCT07319299ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Sponsor
Mahidol University
Enrollment
2,100
Started
2025
Primary outcome
True Positive Rate (Sensitivity) of Ultrasound, AFP, and GAAD Score as Standalone Surveillance Modalities
Hepatecellular CarcinomaCirrhosisHBV Infection
Evaluation of AKR1B10 as a New Marker for Interventional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
NCT06272656UNKNOWN
Sponsor
Hebei Medical University Third Hospital
Enrollment
200
Started
2024
Primary outcome
comparison of liver cancer markers AKR1B10, AFP, AFP-L3% and DCP before and after TACE
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Diagnostic Accuracy of APAC, ASAP and GALAD Scores in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among Cirrhotic Patients
NCT05738772UNKNOWN
Sponsor
Sohag University
Enrollment
90
Started
2023
Primary outcome
serum level of AFP-L3.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
PD-1 Antibody + Apatinib Mesylate in 2+ Line Serum AFP-elevated Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Sponsor
China Medical University, China
Enrollment
30
Started
2019
Primary outcome
Objective response rate (ORR)
Gastric CancerAFP
Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein Level May Predict the Presence of Morbid Adherent Placenta
NCT04082507UNKNOWN
Sponsor
rasha medhat abdul-hady
Enrollment
150
Started
2017
Primary outcome
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
Placenta Accreta
A Study of Ramucirumab (LY3009806) Versus Placebo in Participants With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Elevated Baseline Alpha-Fetoprotein
Sponsor
Eli Lilly and Company
Enrollment
399
Started
2015
Primary outcome
Overall Survival (OS)
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Publication Trend
Research publications about AFP over time
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