Serum interleukin-10 and alpha-fetoprotein: A combined diagnostic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptians with HCV.

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has been used for 60+ years as an HCC diagnostic serum marker, its accuracy is debated. Notably, the role of interleukin 10 (IL-10) in cancer development and metastasis is elevated in various tumor types, including HCC and chronic HCV infection.