Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with chronic hepatitis B and C infections being significant risk factors for its development. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-established biomarker used in the surveillance and diagnosis of HCC. However, its role in predicting the progression of HCC from chronic hepatitis has been a topic of debate. This research project aims to analyze the levels of alpha-fetoprotein in hepatitis patients to assess its utility in predicting the development of HCC. The study will involve a cohort of hepatitis patients with varying degrees of liver disease progression, including those with cirrhosis and early-stage HCC. Blood samples will be collected from these patients at regular intervals, and AFP levels will be measured using standardized laboratory techniques. The data obtained from this study will be analyzed to determine the correlation between AFP levels and the progression to HCC in hepatitis patients. Statistical methods will be employed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of AFP as a biomarker for HCC development. Additionally, the study will investigate whether other factors, such as patient demographics and liver function tests, influence the predictive ability of AFP. The results of this research will provide valuable insights into the role of AFP in monitoring hepatitis patients for the development of HCC. If AFP levels are found to correlate significantly with HCC progression, it could serve as a useful tool in identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from closer surveillance or early intervention. Conversely, if AFP is not a reliable predictor of HCC development, alternative biomarkers or imaging modalities may need to be explored. Overall, this study has the potential to improve the management of hepatitis patients at risk of developing HCC by providing clinicians with a better understanding of the value of AFP monitoring. By elucidating the relationship between AFP levels and HCC progression, this research may contribute to more personalized and effective strategies for detecting and managing liver cancer in high-risk populations.

Thesis Overview

1.0       INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It accounts for 60% of all cancer world wide (Melissa 2004). The most significance cause is the presence of cirrhosis. HCC has unique geographic sex, age distribution that are likely determined by specific actiology factor. It’s distribution also varies among ethnic group within the same country (Munoz 1989). A high incidence of hepatitis B and C may have been an important factor contributing to the development of liver disease (HCC and Cirrhosis) in south eastern Nigeria. However, a recent trend which reveals an increase in cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatitis in our environment suggest that there could be other contributory factors perculiar to our environment besides hepatitis B and C which could be possible explanation to the recent trend. In so doing, it would be necessary to look into the various predisposing/causative factors of chronic hepatitis which could lead to increased cases of liver cirrhosis and HCC in our environment. The risk of developing HCC differs depending on the cause of cirrhosis. For example, cirrhosis due to hepatitis B has a high risk of leading to HCC while the risk of HCC in people with primary biliary cirrhosis, although present is very low. All these human hepatitis viruses are RNA viruses except for hepatitis B virus, which is a DNA virus. Although these viruses can be distinguished by their molecular and antigenic properties, all types of viral hepatitis produce clinically similar illnesses. These range from asymptomatic and unapparent to fulminant and fatal acute infections common to all types, on one hand, and from subclinical persistent infections to rapidly progressive liver disease with cirrhosis and even hepatocullular carcinoma (HCC), common to the blood-borne types (HBV and HCV). Without specific virological test, it is not possible to determine which hepatitis virus is responsible for a case of hepatitis. (Kathleen park et al., 2004).