Project Abstract

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that often develops in the setting of chronic liver disease, particularly hepatitis B and C infections. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level has long been utilized as a biomarker for HCC screening and monitoring. However, its diagnostic accuracy and reliability have been a subject of debate due to its limited sensitivity and specificity. This research project aims to analyze the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in hepatitis patients to assess its role in predicting the development of HCC. The study involves a retrospective analysis of data collected from hepatitis patients over a five-year period. AFP levels will be measured at regular intervals, and patients will be monitored for the development of HCC during the study period. The data will be analyzed using statistical methods to determine the correlation between AFP levels and the development of HCC. The study will also assess the sensitivity and specificity of AFP in predicting HCC in hepatitis patients. Additionally, other risk factors for HCC development, such as liver cirrhosis and viral load, will be taken into account in the analysis. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the utility of AFP levels in predicting the development of HCC in hepatitis patients. If the results demonstrate a strong correlation between elevated AFP levels and HCC development, AFP could serve as a useful tool in identifying patients at higher risk for HCC. This, in turn, could lead to earlier detection of HCC and improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the study results may have implications for the current guidelines on HCC screening and monitoring in hepatitis patients. By refining the role of AFP in HCC prediction, healthcare providers can tailor their surveillance strategies to better identify patients who would benefit most from closer monitoring and early intervention. In conclusion, this research project aims to contribute to the understanding of the role of AFP levels in assessing the risk of HCC development in hepatitis patients. By shedding light on the predictive value of AFP, the study seeks to improve the early detection and management of HCC, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients with chronic liver disease.

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 peculiar 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 hepatocellular 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).