Learn about this topic in these articles:

In cancer: Molecular evaluation
…pancreatic or gastrointestinal cancers; and alpha-fetoprotein and chorionic gonadotropin, which can indicate testicular cancer. The diagnostic tests that are necessary to identify genetic alterations and tumor markers and thereby predict the efficacy of a drug are sometimes referred to as companion diagnostics.
Read More
In genetic testing: Prenatal diagnosis
…prenatal test involves screening for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in maternal serum. Elevated levels of AFP are associated with neural tube defects in the fetus, including spina bifida (defective closure of the spine) and anencephaly (absence of brain tissue). When AFP levels are elevated, a more specific diagnosis
Read More
In prenatal testing: Prenatal screening tests
…levels of multiple substances, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP; a fetal liver protein) and the placenta-produced hormones estriol, hCG, and inhibin. Abnormal levels of any of those substances may be associated with a chromosomal abnormality or other disorder (e.g., abnormal AFP levels may be indicative of a neural tube defect). First-trimester ultrasound…
Read More
In pregnancy: Alpha-fetoprotein screening
Shed by the yolk sac and fetal liver, alpha-fetoprotein can be used to screen for neural tube defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida (developmental abnormality in which spinal cord is not fully enclosed). The measurement of elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein in a…
Read More