Glycan Composition of Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Johnson P J, Poon T C W, Hjelm N M, Ho C S, Ho S K W, Welby C, Stevenson D, Patel T, Parekh R
Primary Institution: Departments of Clinical OncologyChemical Pathology at the Sir YK Pao Cancer Centre, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, SAR, China
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether specific glycoforms of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can improve the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT).
Conclusion
The study identifies specific glycan structures in serum AFP that may lead to the development of more accurate diagnostic assays for HCC and NSGCT.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found eleven major glycans in serum AFP, with seven being N-linked and four O-linked.
- The N-linked glycans were consistent with previously reported structures.
- The O-linked glycans identified had not been reported before.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special test to look at proteins in the blood to help find certain types of cancer more accurately.
Methodology
The study used fluorescence labeling, sequential exoglycosidase digestion, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry to analyze glycan structures of serum AFP.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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