Korean J Gastroenterol.  2017 Apr;69(4):232-238. 10.4166/kjg.2017.69.4.232.

The Clinical Significance of Serum Alpha-fetoprotein in Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Health Screening Population

• Ko YS
• Bae JH
• Sinn DH
• Gwak GY
• Kang W
• Paik YH
• Choi MS
• Lee JH
• Koh KC
• Paik SW

• KMID: 2383401
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2017.69.4.232

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) measurement is commonly included in a health check-up program in Korea. However, its benefits remain uncertain. We analyzed whether AFP measurement should be included in a general health check-up program to screen for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS
A total of 36,552 adults aged 18 years or older"”who participated in a routine health examination including AFP determination between January 2009 and December 2009 at the Health Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center, South Korea"”were analyzed. High risk of HCC was defined as positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis C virus antibody or having liver cirrhosis.
RESULTS
AFP level >10 ng/mL was observed in 27 participants (0.1%) and primary liver cancer was diagnosed in 9 patients (6 HCC and 3 cholangiocarcinoma). Among 1,619 participants with high risk factors of HCC, AFP level >10 ng/mL was observed in 16 participants, of which, 4 diagnoses were made. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of AFP for HCC was 0.66, 0.99, 0.25 and 0.99, respectively, for high risk participants. Among 34,933 participants without risk factors for HCC, 11 patients (<0.1%) showed elevated AFP levels above 10 ng/mL, and no case was diagnosed with primary liver cancer during a median follow-up period of 36 months (range: 0-48 months).
CONCLUSIONS
AFP elevation was rare in participants without risk factors for HCC, and was unable to screen for HCC in this population. We discourage routine AFP measurements for asymptomatic adults without risk factors of HCC.

Keyword

Alpha-fetoprotein; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Diagnosis

MeSH Terms

Adult
alpha-Fetoproteins*
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
Diagnosis
Follow-Up Studies
Health Promotion
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
Humans
Korea
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Neoplasms
Mass Screening*
Risk Factors
Sensitivity and Specificity
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
alpha-Fetoproteins

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