title: Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP): A multi-purpose marker in hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: Alpha-foetoprotein (AFP), one of the first protein tumour markers discovered, is widely used today in clinical practice. Its application for the screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent form of primary liver tumour, is a matter of extensive debate. In addition to the studies focused on the role of the AFP in the diagnosis of HCC, in recent years AFP has been used to guide the therapeutic choice in HCC and monitor the treatment. Here, we summarize the latest studies that show the interest of AFP quantification in determining the suitability of liver transplantation or to follow-up on patients receiving the targeted treatment sorafenib. We also highlight the recent studies showing the active role of AFP in tumour progression, and the new modes of regulation of this tumour marker. Among these is the regulation of AFP through tumour proteostasis and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). We discuss the implications of this new knowledge in the therapeutic context, in terms of interpreting serum levels of AFP, and the new perspectives offered by AFP for the study of tumour proteostasis.
authors.affiliation: Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France; EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Chloé
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sauzay
authors.affiliation: Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petit
authors.affiliation: Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France.
authors.forename: Anne-Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bourgeois
authors.affiliation: Cancéropôle Nord-Ouest, France.
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Barbare
authors.affiliation: Service d'Oncologie Médicale, CHU Amiens Sud, France.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chauffert
authors.affiliation: Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France; EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France. Electronic address: Galmiche.Antoine@chu-amiens.fr.
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galmiche
authors.affiliation: Service de Biochimie, Centre de Biologie Humaine (CBH), CHU Amiens Sud, France; EA4666, Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), Amiens, France.
authors.forename: Aline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Houessinon
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins
keywords: Alpha-foetoprotein; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Tumour proteostasis; Unfolded Protein Response