Combined measurement of serum tumor markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma*

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms, and its prognosis is very poor if diagnosed late, therefore, early detection is important. As we know not all HCC can secrete AFP, and AFP levels may be normal in as many as 40% of patients with early HCC and 15%-20% of patients with advanced HCC[1]. Therefore, we selected AFP, alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) and sialic acid (SA) in combination for detecting HCC.