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Alpha-Fetoprotein: Tumor Marker in Testicular Cancer

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein (molecular weight 69.000 Dalton, 4% carbohydrates) with great similarity to albumin. It is produced in the embryonic liver, intestine and yolk sac. AFP is not produced after birth. In healthy adults, alpha-fetoprotein is detected only in low concentrations.

Standard Value of Alpha-Fetoprotein

< 15 ng/ml or < 10 IU/ml (1 IU = 1.2 ng).

Laboratory Test Method

ELISA.

Indications

Diagnosis and follow-up in germ cell tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Differential Diagnosis of Increased Alpha-Fetoprotein

Germ cell tumors: testicular cancer (nonseminoma), tumors of the ovary, extragonadal germ cell tumors. Mature teratomas, pure seminomas or pure choriocarcinomas do not produce AFP.
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Transient and mild increase of AFP in benign liver diseases
Pregnancy

Kinetics of AFP after Treatment of Testicular Cancer

After a complete tumor resection, postoperative concentration decline to the normal range with a half-live of five days. An incomplete or slow decrease after radical orchiectomy is suspicious for metastasis of germ cell tumor. A rebound of AFP after normalization is a sign of tumor recurrence or metastasis. A rising AFP level is incompatible with healing of testicular cancer and can indicate tumor progression weeks or months before radiological diagnosis.

PSA test

Index

Tumor marker HCG

Index: 1–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

References

Guder, W. G. & Nolte, J. Das Laborbuch für Klinik und Praxis
Urban + Fischer, 2009

Siegenthaler 1988 SIEGENTHALER, W. ; SIEGENTHALER, W. (Hrsg.): Differentialdiagnose innerer Krankheiten.
Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, New York., 1988

Deutsche Version: Alpha-Fetoprotein

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