The progressive elevation of alpha fetoprotein for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

The progressive elevation of alpha fetoprotein > or =7 ng/mL/month in patients with liver cirrhosis is useful for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients that do not reach alphaFP levels > or =200 ng/mL. Prospective studies are required to confirm this observation.