Levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in pregnant women and subsequent breast cancer risk

Article Abstract:

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)levels in pregnant women may help reduce the risk of breast cancer under certain circumstances. Researchers using immunoenzymatic and radioimmunoassay methods and multiple confounder controls discovered that high levels of AFP in pregnant women under the age of 27 resulted in reduced breast cancer risk. High AFP levels in women over 27 did not provide risk protection.

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Senior authors' reply to invited commentary: "Beyond the twinning effect." (response to article by W. Douglas Thompson in this issue, p. 728)

Article Abstract:

Levels of alpha-fetoproteins (AFP) in pregnant women have been shown to be effective in protecting them against a subsequent risk of breast cancer. Although the studies did not control for all possible causal agents, they did control for the major known factors in breast cancer etiology. While further research is warranted, current evidence is sufficient for AFP's protective agency.

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Beyond the twinning effect: invited commentary on "Levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in pregnant women and subsequent breast cancer risk." (response to article in this issue, p. 719)

Article Abstract:

The effects of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in pregnant women deserves more study before its protective benefits can be confirmed. Although research shows a correlation between high levels of AFP and reduced risk of breast cancer, a wide variety of biological variables have not yet been examined. Future studies should also contrast results with non-pregnant subjects.

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