AFP | Alpha-fetoprotein (Testicular Cancer Marker)

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein naturally produced during fetal development in the yolk sac, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. In adults, AFP levels are usually very low, but their concentration can increase in certain malignant and benign conditions. AFP is one of the main tumor markers, especially used for evaluating germ cell tumors (particularly of testicular and ovarian origin), as well as primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

The test is useful for monitoring and surveillance of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. Additionally, AFP is often used in prenatal screening to assess the risk of fetal developmental disorders, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) - in this case, it is part of a multi-step biochemical marker assessment.

Increased AFP concentration can be detected in testicular, ovarian germ cell tumors, primary liver cancer, as well as in liver cirrhosis or hepatitis. However, AFP is not specific to a single disease, so it is always evaluated in conjunction with clinical and other laboratory data.

Test principle: AFP concentration is determined by immunochemiluminescent or immunoturbidimetric methods from venous blood. Results are presented in ng/ml units. When evaluating tumor diseases, the test is often combined with other markers (e.g., hCG, LDH).

Recommendations:

• Recommended when there is suspicion of germ cell tumors or liver cancer.
• Useful for patients diagnosed with testicular or ovarian tumors to assess treatment effectiveness and risk of recurrence.
• Assigned as part of prenatal diagnostics to assess the risk of fetal developmental disorders.
• Conducted to monitor patients with chronic liver diseases who are at increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
• It is recommended to arrive for the test fasting for at least 12 hours.