What are the liver cancer markers

Alpha-fetoprotein is often tested during liver cancer examinations. In addition, tests such as γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and prothrombin are also performed. Changes in the levels of these markers often indicate whether liver cancer has occurred or not.

1. Alpha-fetoprotein : Alpha-fetoprotein is the most commonly used diagnostic marker for liver cancer. Alpha-fetoprotein is an embryonic protein synthesized by the liver during the fetal period. It is eliminated after birth, but the liver can regain this function when liver cells become malignant. It can be detected in trace amounts in normal human serum, less than 20μg/L.

Among liver cancer patients, 60% to 70% have elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels. Usually, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels are related to tumor size, but there are large individual differences. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels may also occur in pregnant women, newborns, and patients with testicular or ovarian gonadal embryonal carcinoma.

2. γ-glutamyl transpeptidase : γ-glutamyl transpeptidase also increases when liver cancer occurs, but its specificity is relatively low. γ-glutamyl transpeptidase also increases in patients with hepatitis, cirrhosis, and biliary tract diseases. Therefore, it has little value in diagnosing liver cancer. However, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase is composed of a group of isoenzymes. The so-called isoenzymes refer to enzymes that catalyze the same reaction in organisms but have different molecular structures. If these isoenzymes are separated by biochemical methods, isoenzyme II can be found. It has great value in diagnosing liver cancer and has relatively high sensitivity and specificity.

3. Prothrombin : Normal liver cells can synthesize prothrombin, which is an important coagulation factor. When liver cancer cells have impaired prothrombin synthesis, they will produce an abnormal prothrombin. This abnormal prothrombin is different from normal prothrombin in molecular structure and function. It can be detected by biochemical methods and can be used for the diagnosis of liver cancer.

4. Other liver cancer markers : Other liver cancer markers include serum fucosidase, acid ferritin, etc. These substances also have a certain sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of liver cancer and can be used as a reference.