Project Abstract

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of liver cancer and is often associated with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a biomarker that has long been used in the diagnosis and monitoring of HCC. However, there is ongoing debate regarding its sensitivity and specificity, particularly in the context of hepatitis patients. This research project aims to analyze the levels of alpha-fetoprotein in hepatitis patients and assess its role as an indicator of the progression to HCC. The study will involve a cohort of hepatitis patients, both with and without HCC, who will be monitored over a specific period. Blood samples will be collected at regular intervals to measure AFP levels, and imaging studies will be used to detect the presence of HCC. The data collected will be analyzed to determine if there is a correlation between AFP levels and the development of HCC in hepatitis patients. Statistical analyses will be conducted to assess the sensitivity and specificity of AFP as a predictive marker for HCC in this population. The study will also explore other factors that may influence AFP levels, such as underlying liver disease severity, viral load, and treatment history. The results of this research will provide valuable insights into the utility of AFP as a biomarker for HCC in hepatitis patients. By elucidating the relationship between AFP levels and the progression to HCC, this study may help clinicians better assess the risk of HCC development in hepatitis patients and tailor surveillance strategies accordingly. Additionally, the findings could contribute to the ongoing discussion on the optimal use of AFP in the management of HCC, particularly in the context of underlying liver disease. Overall, this research project has the potential to enhance our understanding of the role of AFP in predicting HCC in hepatitis patients. The findings may have implications for clinical practice, guiding healthcare providers in the early detection and management of HCC in high-risk populations.

Project Overview

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It accounts for 60% of all cancer world wide (Melissa 2004). The most significance cause is the presence of cirrhosis. HCC has unique geographic sex, age distribution that are likely determined by specific actiology factor. It’s distribution also varies among ethnic group within the same country (Munoz 1989). A high incidence of hepatitis B and C may have been an important factor contributing to the development of liver disease (HCC and Cirrhosis) in south eastern Nigeria. However, a recent trend which reveals an increase in cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatitis in our environment suggest that there could be other contributory factors perculiar to our environment besides hepatitis B and C which could be possible explanation to the recent trend. In so doing, it would be necessary to look into the various predisposing/causative factors of chronic hepatitis which could lead to increased cases of liver cirrhosis and HCC in our environment. The risk of developing HCC differs depending on the cause of cirrhosis. For example, cirrhosis due to hepatitis B has a high risk of leading to HCC while the risk of HCC in people with primary biliary cirrhosis, although present is very low. All these human hepatitis viruses are RNA viruses except for hepatitis B virus, which is a DNA virus. Although these viruses can be distinguished by their molecular and antigenic properties, all types of viral hepatitis produce clinically similar illnesses. These range from asymptomatic and unapparent to fulminant and fatal acute infections common to all types, on one hand, and from subclinical persistent infections to rapidly progressive liver disease with cirrhosis and even hepatocullular carcinoma (HCC), common to the blood-borne types (HBV and HCV). Without specific virological test, it is not possible to determine which hepatitis virus is responsible for a case of hepatitis. (Kathleen park et al., 2004).