Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

Where the papers sit

20 papers from the last 6 months study Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) directly · updated from PubMed 3 Oct 2026

• Early HCC Biomarker Detection

  Early HCC assessment is moving beyond AFP alone toward multimarker panels and routine clinical variables. PIVKA-II, AKR1B10, glycoproteomic profiles, and AFP kinetics are being judged by sensitivity, specificity, AUC, and recurrence prediction, particularly in early or AFP-negative disease. AFP status and LMR are also being used to characterize outcomes during atezolizumab/bevacizumab therapy. The evidence remains clinically heterogeneous, leaving validation and integration into routine risk stratification open.

  8 papers · 40%

• Point-of-Care AFP Testing

  AFP testing is moving toward sensitive, multiplexed, and portable immunosensing. AuNP-modified membranes, trimetallic MOF nanozymes, quantum dots, photonic crystals, and ferroelectric photoelectrochemistry amplify or simplify serum readout. Microfluidics and multi-biomarker formats support point-of-care use, while pediatric reference intervals address interpretation rather than detection alone. The main unresolved issue is whether improved analytical limits translate into better clinical discrimination.

  6 papers · 30%

• SERS-Based AFP Detection

  SERS platforms are pushing AFP measurement toward ultrasensitive, amplified point-of-care testing. Gold nanoparticles, engineered hotspots, nanowires, and mesochannels increase Raman signal, while L-histidine or 4-mercaptobenzoic acid supports signal reporting and self-referencing. Cyclic ion-driven modulation and glycan-lectin recognition broaden control over selectivity. Translation to routine serum diagnosis remains less established than analytical performance.

  4 papers · 20%

• CRISPR HCC Biomarker Sensing

  CRISPR/Cas12a sensing is being adapted for amplified detection of HCC-associated biomarkers. DNA triangular-prism scaffolds regulate entropy-driven autocatalysis, while Mn-cysteine laccase mimics support electrochemical readout. These designs aim to improve signal strength and specificity without relying on conventional immunoassays. Their shared focus is assay engineering; clinical validation and performance in real patient samples remain open.

  2 papers · 10%