Beta-hCG vs intact hCG assays in the detection of trophoblastic disease.
We describe a case of choriocarcinoma in which increased concentrations of beta-choriogonadotropin subunits in serum indicated recurrence of metastasis long before the tumor could be confirmed by visualization techniques, while intact choriogonadotropin remained normal (less than 5 int. units/L). Therefore, detection or monitoring of choriocarcinoma requires the assay of free beta-hCG subunit or an assay that measures both the free beta-subunit and intact choriogonadotropin.
Rinker
A D
AD
Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536.
Tietz
N W
NW
D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D002822:Choriocarcinoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood*; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000097:blood*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D010446:Peptide Fragments