β All markers
Liver Enzymes Β· U/L
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
A liver enzyme that rises with cell damage β not specific to the liver.
What it is
AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, and red blood cells. When any of these tissues is damaged, AST leaks into the bloodstream. It is less liver-specific than ALT.
Why it matters
Many chemotherapy drugs are hepatotoxic (liver-toxic). Monitoring AST alongside ALT catches liver stress early. A rising AST-to-ALT ratio can also indicate alcohol-related damage or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How to test
Standard liver function blood panel.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always discuss testing and interpretation of results with your care team.
Optimal range
Below 40 U/L (men) / 32 U/L (women)
normal
Above 3Γ upper limit
significant elevation β review with care team
How often
Every cycle during chemotherapy. Every 6β12 weeks otherwise.
Tags
liver
treatment-monitoring
enzymes