Which cancer type is associated with significantly elevated levels of AFP?

Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are most strongly associated with hepatoma, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a primary liver cancer. AFP is a protein that is typically produced in the liver of a developing fetus, and its levels are usually very low in adults. However, in certain conditions, such as liver cancer, this protein can become abnormally elevated.

The elevation of AFP in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma reflects the tumor's origin in liver tissue and its metabolic activity. Monitoring AFP levels can be employed as a tumor marker, which assists in the diagnosis, management, and surveillance of patients with liver cancer. This is particularly useful in high-risk populations, such as those with chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, or hepatitis B and C infections.

While AFP can also be elevated in other malignancies, the association with hepatoma is the most significant and clinically relevant, making it a key marker in the context of liver cancer diagnostics.