What enzyme is commonly elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma?

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is commonly elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a primary malignancy of the liver. AFP is a glycoprotein produced by the fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract, and it typically serves as a biomarker for liver pathology, particularly in the context of liver cancer.

In patients with HCC, the synthesis of AFP can be significantly increased, making it a useful tumor marker in both diagnostic and prognostic contexts. Elevated levels of AFP can be detected in the serum of individuals with HCC, serving as an important tool for early diagnosis, monitoring response to treatment, and assessing prognosis. Values of AFP greater than 400 ng/mL are often associated with malignancy, including liver tumors.

Other enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, and amylase are not specific indicators for hepatocellular carcinoma. Alkaline phosphatase can be elevated in various conditions, including cholestasis and liver disease but is not specific to HCC. Similarly, creatine kinase is more related to muscle damage rather than liver pathology, and amylase typically reflects pancreatic function. Thus, these markers do not provide the same direct association with hepatocellular carcinoma