Blutwerte · Marker

AFP

Alpha-Fetoprotein · AFP

Tumormarker & Screening

Einheit:: ng/mL

AFP quantifies the level of alpha-fetoprotein, a glycoprotein involved in fetal development and liver pathology.

Reference Ranges

Reference

0–10ng/mL

LowNormalHigh

Reference

Unit · ng/mL

Reference ranges may vary slightly based on the laboratory and population. Pregnancy can significantly elevate AFP levels.

Overview

Übersicht

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein primarily produced during fetal development by the liver and yolk sac. In adults, AFP levels are typically low but can increase due to liver pathologies or certain germ cell tumors. Researchers have found that AFP plays a role in immune regulation and maintaining immune balance during pregnancy. Clinically, AFP is a significant biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is used in screening strategies for this condition. Elevated AFP levels can indicate liver damage, regeneration, or malignant transformation, particularly in the context of HCC. AFP is also used to monitor treatment responses and predict prognosis in HCC patients. For athletes and biohackers, AFP is not directly linked to performance or longevity but may be relevant in monitoring liver health, especially in the context of intensive training or supplementation that affects liver function. Caveats in AFP testing include potential confounders such as pregnancy, liver disease, and certain cancers. Time of day and fasting do not significantly impact AFP levels, but accurate interpretation requires considering these factors.

Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated AFP levels in adults can indicate liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma or certain germ cell tumors. Low levels are generally not clinically significant outside of pregnancy contexts.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Rising AFP levels may indicate worsening liver disease or cancer progression. Re-test in 4 weeks if levels are outside the standard range.

Falling Values

Falling AFP levels suggest improvement in liver condition or response to cancer treatment.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

Hepatocellular carcinoma
Liver cirrhosis
Germ cell tumors
Acute liver injury
Pregnancy

Cause

Low Levels

Normal adult levels
Effective cancer treatment
Non-pregnancy state
Absence of liver disease

Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

Regular liver function monitoring
Avoidance of hepatotoxic substances
Moderate alcohol consumption

Lever

Nutrition

Balanced diet rich in antioxidants
Adequate hydration
Limiting 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

Annually for individuals with liver disease risk; more frequently if monitoring known liver conditions.

Interfering Factors

Pregnancy
Recent liver surgery
Certain medications

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the optimal reference ranges for AFP levels in various populations, particularly in the context of liver diseases and malignancies, remain inadequately defined. Researchers have not yet established the most effective thresholds for AFP-L3 and DCP in predicting HCC recurrence post-liver transplant, leaving significant gaps in clinical decision-making. Additionally, the interplay of confounding factors affecting AFP levels in different disease states warrants further investigation to enhance its diagnostic utility.

29 Research Publications

1,528

Total Citations

Human/RCT

5.4

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.

View on PubMed

02Top

#02

PIVKA-II serves as a potential biomarker that complements AFP for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

HumanInfluence6.0

164

Researchers evaluated the potential of PIVKA-II as a complementary biomarker to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). They found that PIVKA-II levels were significantly higher in HCC patients compared to those with benign liver disease. The combined use of PIVKA-II and AFP improved diagnostic efficiency for HCC.

View on PubMed

03Top

#03

Elevated alpha-fetoprotein: differential diagnosis - hepatocellular carcinoma and other disorders.

ReviewInfluence3.0

159

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.

View on PubMed

#04

Utility of combining PIVKA-II and AFP in the surveillance and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region.

ReviewInfluence5.0

145

This consensus study evaluated the combined use of PIVKA-II and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Asia-Pacific region. Researchers found that PIVKA-II could enhance detection of HCC, especially in AFP-negative patients. However, further evidence is needed for its routine clinical use alongside AFP.

View on PubMed

#05

AFP-L3 and DCP strongly predict early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation.

Norman Joshua S, et al. · Journal of hepatology · 2023

HumanInfluence14.0

144

This study investigated the predictive value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and other biomarkers in assessing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation. Researchers found that dual positivity for AFP-L3 and DCP significantly predicted HCC recurrence, outperforming AFP alone. The findings suggest potential refinements in liver transplant eligibility criteria.

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.

View on PubMed

#06

Alpha-fetoprotein: a renaissance.

ReviewInfluence3.0

141

This review summarized the historical and recent advancements in the study of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as a tumor-specific biomarker. Researchers observed a resurgence in AFP research due to new technologies, although many aspects of its biological role remain unclear. The study emphasized the importance of AFP in cancer diagnostics.

View on PubMed

#07

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.

View on PubMed

#08

Alpha-fetoprotein: a review.

ReviewInfluence2.0

121

Researchers reviewed the use of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in maternal serum and amniotic fluid for screening fetal abnormalities. The study found that elevated AFP levels can indicate serious conditions, while also noting the importance of rigorous protocols in testing. AFP's role in monitoring certain malignancies was also discussed.

View on PubMed

#09

Alpha-fetoprotein: Past, present, and future.

ReviewInfluence2.0

This review examined the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in immune regulation and its utility as a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers found that AFP is a powerful prognostic biomarker and can predict treatment response in HCC. The study also highlighted AFP's potential as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

View on PubMed

#10

A Phase 3 Biomarker Validation of GALAD for the Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhosis.

HumanInfluence10.0

Researchers conducted a phase 3 study to validate the GALAD score, which includes alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. The study found that GALAD outperformed AFP in sensitivity and specificity for early detection of HCC. This indicates a potential improvement in surveillance strategies for HCC.

2023

Primary outcome

serum level of AFP-L3.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A Cross Sectional Study Evaluating the Mean Levels of Alpha Fetoprotein in Patients of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Correlates in Pakistan

NCT06629857COMPLETED

Sponsor

Darul Sehat Hospital

Enrollment

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Mean Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Levels in HCC Patients

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular

PD-1 Antibody + XELOX in 1st Line Serum A-fetoprotein (AFP)-Elevated Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma

NCT04098796Phase 2UNKNOWN

Sponsor

China Medical University, China

Enrollment

Started

2019

Primary outcome

Objective response rate (ORR)

Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction AdenocarcinomaAFP

NCT01360255COMPLETED

Sponsor

University Hospital Freiburg

Enrollment

Started

2010

Primary outcome

comparison of liver cancer markers AFP, AFP-L3% and DCP before and after TACE

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver Cancer Prevention Trial in Patients With Chronic Hep C Infection

NCT00513461Phase 2COMPLETED

Sponsor

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Enrollment

110

Started

2007

Primary outcome

Change in Serum AFP Levels

Adult Primary Liver CancerHepatitis C Infection

Publication Trend

Research publications about AFP over time

7total

'15

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