Alpha-Fetoprotein as a valuable biomarker in neuroendocrine tumours

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Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a rare group of tumours that pose a significant diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic challenge. This complexity arises from the diversity and heterogeneity of these neoplasms, as well as from the limitations of commonly used biomarkers in clinical practice. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a fetal protein widely used primarily for congenital defects in prenatal diagnostics and in certain malignancies in adults.

Aim(s): The aim of the study was to investigate the usefulness and potential of AFP as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in pancreatic NETs.

Materials and methods: We conducted a study on a group of 41 adults diagnosed with non-functioning pancreatic NETs who were treated with long-acting somatostatin analogues. All the patients presented liver metastases at the time of inclusion in the research. Serum levels of AFP were measured repeatedly every 3 months over a period of 4 years. For comparative analysis, we considered liver tumour burden (LTB; <10%, 10-25%), the WHO grading system (G1, G2), and response to treatment according to the RECIST criteria (SD - stable disease, PD - progressive disease).

Conference:

Presenting Author:

Authors: Musiałkiewicz J, Gut P, Komarnicki P, Maciejewski A, Ruchała M,

Keywords: alpha-fetoprotein, biomarker, neuroendocrine tumour,