[Serum AFP subfractions in patients with hepatic cancer or germ cell tumor of the gonads].

Using a modified method of Con A, LCH or PHA-E affinity crossed-line immunoelectrophoresis, we studied AFP subfractions in 78 sera including 58 from patients with primary hepatoma, 11 from patients with hepatic metastasis of gastric cancer and 9 from patients with germ cell tumors of the gonads (yolk sac tumor, immature solid teratoma or mature solid teratoma). It was found that AFP in primary hepatoma, metastatic hepatoma or germ cell tumors of the gonads were differently glycosylated, and different patterns of AFP subfractions identified by Con A, LCH or PHA-E affinity crossed-line immunoelectrophoresis facilitated a differential diagnosis of such AFP related malignancies.