Alpha-fetoprotein-producing transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a case report

Int Urol Nephrol. 2009;41(3):567-70. doi: 10.1007/s11255-008-9461-5. Epub 2008 Sep 3.

Abstract

We report a 76-year-old man with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Although the serum level of AFP was 1,428 ng/ml, and he was anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) antibody-positive, liver tumors were not detected by either a computed tomography (CT) scan or a hepatic angiography. However, removal of a bladder tumor by transurethral resection and subsequent pathological examination revealed a grade III transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Furthermore, immunohistochemical detection of AFP was diffuse-positive. After the tumor partially responded to concomitant chemoradiotherapy, the serum AFP levels decreased to 966 ng/ml. However, the tumor eventually progressed with multiple lung metastases, and serum AFP levels increased to 3,906 ng/ml. In conclusion, AFP-producing TCC of urinary bladder is rare, and the nature and pathophysiology remains unclear and warrants further investigation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • alpha-Fetoproteins