title: [hCG and its subunits as tumor markers].
abstract: hCG is known to be produced by trophoblastic cells as well as by many normal tissues and malignancies. hCG is considered as a reliable marker for gonadal and extra gonadal choriocarcinomas; moreover it has been evidenced by immunohistochemical techniques in other malignancies. In this study, hCG and/or its alpha and beta subunits were detected in 73 males. Intact hCG was detected in 48 patients with gonadal tumors (n = 37) or extragonadal malignancies (n = 11), with or without free alpha or beta subunits. In the other 25 patients, native hCG was not detected but there were significant amounts of free beta subunit in 8 germ cells tumors and 17 extragonadal tumors. The production of free beta chains is correlated with a severe evolution in extragonadal tumors. hCG should be considered as a good marker for many tumors, but it is absolutely necessary to evaluate intact hCG as well as free beta chains.
authors.affiliation: Fondation de Recherche en Hormonologie, Fresnes, France.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Feinstein
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akar
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blacker
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lahlou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pernot
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weizani
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin
vernacular_title: hCG et ses sous-unités comme marqueurs tumoraux.