AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: However, AFP has limited sensitivity and specificity for detecting HCC.[5] Recently, the Lens Culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of α-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) has been shown to be a useful and specific marker for diagnosing HCC.[6] Expression of AFP-L3 has also been demonstrated to correlate with the prognosis of HCC patients.[7]