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Serum alpha1-fetoglobulin in a patient with hepatic metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma

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Abstract

A patient with bronchogenic carcinoma with metastases to the liver was found to have α1-fetoglobulin in his serum. The presence of this protein in the serum of adults was believed to be specific for hepatoma or testicular teratoblastoma; however, 4 recent cases were reported in which α1-fetoglobulin was present in patients with gastric carcinoma and hepatic metastases. As a result of these cases the strict specificity of α1-fetoglobulin and its ability to distinguish between primary and secondary hepatic tumors must be questioned.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, 90024, Los Angeles, Calif

    Richard F. Corlin MD & Ronald K. Tompkins MD

Authors
  1. Richard F. Corlin MD
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  2. Ronald K. Tompkins MD
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Corlin, R.F., Tompkins, R.K. Serum alpha1-fetoglobulin in a patient with hepatic metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma. Digest Dis Sci 17, 553–555 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231214

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