AFP Levels

Dear Doctor,

My husband, 42 years old diagnosed with Liver cancer from Hepatitis B.  We just found out on 9 Dec'09 when he saw the doctot because of his abdominal pain.  From MRI scan, 3  of tumors were found.  AFP level is 3,990.  A month after he has treatment, his AFP level is 3,240.  Is that mean the treatment is effective on him ?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

we do use decrease in AFP as a surrogate marker for response but follow-up scans are much more important.  It is concerning in cases if the AFP does not decrease after treatment of the HCC.

[LeeSone]

Dear  Doctor,

Thank you so much for your answer.  We will keep informing you about his treatment.  He plan to have AFP test again on  19 Feb'10.  

Best regards,

Lee