By Dr. Kanwal Awan
Abstract:
Introduction:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes
of cancer-related mortality worldwide, commonly associated
with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)
infection. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been used as
a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. However, its
correlation with disease stage remains variable across
populations.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients with
HCC. Demographic data, etiology (HBV/HCV), clinical stage,
serum AFP levels, and Child-Pugh classification were
recorded. Patients were stratified according to HCC stage.
Serum AFP levels were analyzed for correlation with disease
stage and liver function (Child Pugh).
Results:
A random sample of 60 patients are considered for this study
who presented at Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH),
NORI with the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma from
January 2020 till December 2024.
• Gender Percentage: Male 48% & Female 52%
• Age of Patients: Average age of patients was 61 years
• HCV & HBV Positive: HCV 96.6% & HBV 3.3%
• Child Pugh Status: A 34%, B 43% & C 23%
• Stage of the disease: Stage II 10%, Stage III 50% &
Stage IV 40%
• AFP Levels: <20 23%, 20-399 37%, 400 or More 40%
• AFP Raised Level: Stage II 10% , Stage III 50% &
Stage IV 40%
Conclusion:
Serum AFP levels show a positive association with advancing
HCC stage, with significantly higher values observed in Stage
III disease. However, considerable overlap exists between
Stage III and IV, indicating that AFP alone may not reliably
distinguish between advanced stages. Combination of AFP
levels with clinical staging and Child-Pugh classification
improves prognostic assessment.