serologic tumor markers , especially alpha-fetoprotein ( afp ) and human chorionic gonadotrophin ( hcg ) are useful as monitors of potential tumor recurrence , but their efficacy is compromised by the unpredictable variation of tumor cell metabolism , undoubtedly a result of the genetic instability and heterogeneity of proliferating malignant cells .
C0041365
tumor markers
C0002210
alpha-fetoprotein