AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: AFP is a protein transcribed from the albuminoid genes located on chromosome 4, with a known multifunctionality (i.e., binding of hydrophobic ligands, regulation of proliferation and immunomodulation) provided by its multi-modular structure.4 AFP is considered an oncofoetal protein due to its presence during foetal development and its association with some tumour types, such as liver, testes and ovary.4 In HCC, AFP serum concentration may vary from normal (< 10 ng/ml) to extremely high (>100000 ng/ml).2,4 For this reason, AFP has been extensively explored as a biomarker.