Radioimmunoassay of α-Fetoprotein. II. Studies in Patients Suffering from Hepatic Diseases

Abstract

Serum AFP concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Comparison of the levels observed in 117 patients suffering from liver diseases with that of 100 normal subjects shows that in cases of primary liver cell carcinoma negative by immunodiffusion methods, intermediate levels are more often observed than normal rates. Metastatic liver cancer is frequently accompanied by a moderate rise in AFP. A temporary rise in AFP may be observed in cases of virus hepatitis mainly when HB antigen is present. In cases of cirrhosis the AFP levels are 3.5 times higher than in normal subjects.