AFP on the rise

[zbot]

I've had success with high dose chemo, but now my AFP is on the rise. HCG is usually the tumor marker indicative of cancer for me, but my AFP has risen before, just not without HCG also rising. My AFP is now at like 6.6, which is the high end of normal, while my HCG is less than 0.5. Last time I got a blood test my AFP was at 3-ish. even though none of my doctors seem particularly worried, I cant help but be a little agitated. I'm running out of treatment options, so a relapse would really, really suck. Does anyone know if this is normal, and im just unnecessarily concerned, or if there is reason to be worried. Also, is there anything I could be doing that would effect my AFP level?

[AustinsMom]

Hi zbot,

I see you are really young.....19....is that right? You have been through SO much already. I must commend you on your maturity in dealing with this and coming to this forum to ask such articulate questions as well as seeking sound advice.

Very recently, someone else posted here about the same concerns you have regarding a waivering AFP level very similar to yours. I believe the general consensus was that such a insignificant rise was nothing to fret about, especially since you are still pretty much in the normal range by all standards. Even Dr. Einhorn does not feel it concerning until the AFP rises over 25. The time to be concerned were if your level were to continually creep upward. I don't remember if you mentioned when your next blood test is scheduled, but for peace of mind, maybe you could ask your Doctor to have another one done in a couple of weeks.

Wishing you the best,
Diane

[Aegean]

Dr. Einhorn does not feel it concerning until the AFP rises over 25.

AFP can fluctuate for many reasons. Before worrying, a quick fix is to get another blood test in the next 2 weeks. Lab errors and anomalies do occur more often than one would think. I believe that the value Einhorn uses is less important as opposed to constantly rising AFP. If your next test were to show it rising again it would start to raise some flags and probably precipitate new imaging. That being said, for now I would be looking at a lab error or other anomaly. Stay positive.

[evstar18]

hey man,
first off knock on wood its not relapse and its just normal fluctuation, and I'm sure it is just normal fluctuation . But sleep sound knowing that even if i was relapse, which it probably or hopefully isn't, there are still lots of other treatment options, GAMEC, MEA or targeted therapies and clinical trials are still at your disposal!

[zbot]

thanks for the quick responses! I get tested for tumor markers every month, so the AFP test previous to this last one was about a month ago. since i'm on oral etoposide I get basic blood counts tested twice weekly for the 3 weeks im on it, so i'm sure i could fit a tumor maker test anytime. Is a 3-point rise in AFP in a months-span significant? I'm used to my HCG going up by several points each week when I have active tumor, so I'm not familiar how AFP markers behave.

[DARDEVIL]

Hi !

I can understand your agitation. To be honnest I would be the same.
But Afp can fluctuate. Have you eaten a lot or something "heavy" ? And last but not least....alcohol ? Or may be just......fluctuation.
Please tell us quickly !

All the best for you man

[Aegean]

A 3 point rise in and of itself is not significant. A continuous trend of rising AFP would be.