Project Abstract

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with chronic viral hepatitis being a major risk factor for its development. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a widely used biomarker for HCC screening and surveillance, yet its diagnostic accuracy and utility have been questioned due to its limited sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to analyze the alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatitis patients to assess its role in predicting the progression to HCC. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies investigating the relationship between alpha-fetoprotein levels and the development of HCC in patients with hepatitis. The search included articles published in peer-reviewed journals from various databases. Studies that reported on the alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatitis patients and their association with HCC development were included in the analysis. The findings of the review suggest that elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels are associated with an increased risk of developing HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis. However, the utility of AFP as a standalone biomarker for HCC screening and surveillance is limited due to its low sensitivity and specificity. Other factors, such as liver function tests, imaging modalities, and genetic markers, should be considered in conjunction with AFP levels to improve the accuracy of HCC detection. In conclusion, alpha-fetoprotein levels can serve as an aid in assessing the risk of HCC development in hepatitis patients. Regular monitoring of AFP levels, along with other clinical parameters, can help in the early detection and management of HCC. Further research is needed to explore the potential of combining AFP with other biomarkers or imaging techniques to enhance the accuracy of HCC diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Overall, this study highlights the importance of evaluating alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatitis patients as part of a comprehensive approach to assessing the risk of HCC development. By incorporating AFP measurements into routine clinical practice, healthcare providers can better identify patients at high risk for HCC and implement timely interventions to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.

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).