Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum, Tumor Marker

Test Details

Synonyms

• AFP, Serum
• Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum, Tumor Marker

Use

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.