Project Abstract

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are major risk factors for the development of HCC. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known biomarker that has been used for the diagnosis and monitoring of HCC. However, its sensitivity and specificity have been a subject of debate. This study aimed to analyze the alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatitis patients as an aid in assessing the degree to which it correlates with the development of HCC. A total of 200 patients with chronic hepatitis infection were included in the study, out of which 100 had progressed to HCC. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for alpha-fetoprotein levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results of the study showed a significant increase in alpha-fetoprotein levels in patients with HCC compared to those with chronic hepatitis infection. The mean AFP level in the HCC group was found to be above the normal range, while the chronic hepatitis group had AFP levels within the normal range. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between alpha-fetoprotein levels and the stage of HCC, with higher AFP levels associated with advanced stages of the disease. These findings suggest that monitoring alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatitis patients can help in assessing the risk of developing HCC. However, it is important to note that AFP levels alone may not be sufficient for the diagnosis of HCC, as elevated levels can also be observed in other liver diseases and certain non-hepatic malignancies. In conclusion, alpha-fetoprotein remains a valuable biomarker for the detection and monitoring of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis infection. Regular monitoring of AFP levels, in combination with imaging studies and other diagnostic tests, can aid in the early detection and management of HCC. Future studies should focus on improving the sensitivity and specificity of AFP as a biomarker for HCC, as well as exploring other potential biomarkers that can complement AFP in the diagnosis and monitoring of this deadly disease.

Project 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 peculiar 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 hepatocellular 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).