Serum alpha-feto-protein VII. The range of apparent serum values in normal people, pregnant women, and primary liver cancer high risk populations

A radioimmunoassay for alpha-feto-protein (AFP) has been used to compare the distribution of AFP levels in adults and children from areas of southern Africa who have increased susceptibility to primary liver cancer (PLC) and non-susceptible children of other races from the same areas. The serum AFP values in pregnant women, ill Bantu patients, proven PLC cases who were AFP-negative on immunodiffusion, and patients with hepatitis have been determined. People from PLC high-risk areas appear to have raised AFP levels more often than in other populations. There is a complete overlap between normal levels and levels in hepatitis and PLC. The dynamics of the AFP response assists in distinguishing hepatitis from PLC. The AFP in maternal serum shows fluctuations, a fall before delivery, and a spike of AFP on disruption of the placenta.