Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum, Tumor Marker

The most important application of AFP testing in cancer management is for testicular cancer. Although not present in pure seminoma,¹ elevated serum AFP is closely associated with nonseminomatous testicular cancer.^2-4 The measurement of AFP in serum, in conjunction with serum hCG, is an established regimen for monitoring patients with nonseminomatous testicular cancer.^5-8 In addition, monitoring the rate of AFP clearance from serum after treatment is an indicator of the effectiveness of therapy.^9,10 Conversely, the growth rate of progressive cancer can be monitored by serially measuring serum AFP concentration over time.¹¹ Serial serum AFP testing is a useful adjunctive test for managing nonseminomatous testicular cancer.