Factors that Affect Accuracy of α-Fetoprotein Test in Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Cirrhosis

摘要

Background & Aims:Measurements of α-fetoprotein (AFP) detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with low levels of sensitivity and specificity, and are therefore not recommended for use in liver cancer surveillance. However, AFP levels might accurately detect HCC in subgroups of patients. We performed a retrospective case–control study to identify features of patients with cirrhosis in whom levels of AFP correlated with HCC.