Biomarker Resource Center
Liver Cancer Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated June 2026 · Sources: NCI · ACS · ASCO · NIH/PMC
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What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Doctors find these signals in your blood or tumor tissue. The signals tell your doctor important things — like what type of cancer you have and how it is behaving.
Think of it like a clue. Your doctor collects clues from your biomarker test results. Those clues help build a picture of your cancer. That picture helps your doctor and you have a more informed conversation about next steps.
Everyone’s cancer is different — even people with the same type of cancer can have very different results. That is why biomarker testing matters. It helps your care team understand your cancer specifically.
For Liver Cancer
Why do biomarkers matter in liver cancer?
In liver cancer, a protein called AFP is one of the main tools doctors use for monitoring. AFP is found in the blood and can be tracked over time. Biomarker results are one part of the larger picture your doctor uses when discussing your care.
💬 A good question to ask your doctor: Ask your doctor what your AFP level is and what it means for monitoring your cancer. This is one of the key numbers your care team will track over time.
The most important liver cancer biomarker is AFP, a protein measurable in your blood. Together with imaging and tumor markers, AFP helps your doctor monitor your cancer and assess how it is responding over time.
Patient Poll
Have you had biomarker testing for your liver cancer?
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
🔍 Is a protein made by liver cancer cells present in your blood?
AFP is a protein that liver cancer cells commonly produce. It is measured with a blood test. Your doctor uses AFP levels to help monitor your cancer over time. Ask your doctor what your AFP level means and how often it will be checked.
🔍 Is a specific protein present on your cancer cells?
GPC3 is a protein found on some liver cancer cells. It is being studied as a potential marker and target. Ask your doctor whether GPC3 is part of your workup and what it might mean.
🔍 Is a protective gene changed in your tumor?
TP53 changes give your doctor information about your cancer’s behavior. Ask your doctor whether TP53 was tested and what the result means for your care.
Sources: NCI · American Liver Foundation · ASCO
Watch & Learn
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different. Please talk to your doctor or care team about what your biomarker results mean for you specifically.
Common Questions
Liver Cancer Biomarkers — Your Questions Answered
What is a normal AFP level?
AFP levels vary. Your doctor will explain what your specific level means in the context of your overall situation. Ask your doctor to walk you through your AFP result.
How is AFP used for monitoring?
AFP is commonly checked at regular intervals to see how your cancer is responding over time. Ask your doctor how often your AFP will be checked and what changes to look for.
What other tests are used alongside AFP?
Imaging tests are always used alongside AFP in liver cancer care. Your doctor will explain which combination of tests makes sense for monitoring your specific situation.
Is there a patient support community for liver cancer?
Yes. The American Liver Foundation at liverfoundation.org and the Liver Cancer Connect network are trusted resources for patients and families.
Quick Links
From the Liver Cancer Center on XpertPatient
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Visit the Liver Cancer Center → Full Biomarkers Guide →
