Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has been measured during chemotherapy of ten patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Whenever the AFP concentration of a sample was lower than that of the previous sample the apparent half-life (AHL) of the protein was calculated. The biological half-life of AFP is 5 days so that values in excess of this were indicative of continuing or increased synthesis and secretion of AFP. The AHL for AFP provided a means of assessing efficacy of treatment. Increases in AHL generally predicted a rise in serum AFP and give advance warning of the need to change therapy.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/jso.2930370305

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Surg Oncol

Publication Date

03/1988

Volume

37

Pages

161 - 164

Keywords

Biomarkers, Tumor, Carcinoembryonic Antigen, Carcinoma, Hepatocellular, Half-Life, Humans, Liver Neoplasms