Ectopic production of β-hCG by osteosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature.
Ectopic production of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) by nontrophoblastic tumors has been reported but mostly in carcinomas. We report a case of an adolescent female patient with a epithelioid osteosarcoma that was discovered to secrete β-hCG after routine pregnancy testing. Immunohistochemical staining of her primary tumor biopsy demonstrated immunoreactivity for β-hCG. Levels of serum β-hCG were monitored throughout her therapy and demonstrated normalization with effective systemic therapy and local control. She remains disease free 6 months off therapy, with undetectable hormone levels. A review of the available literature on β-hCG production by sarcomas is also presented.
*Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology †Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
Benjamin R
BR
Oshrine
Lisa M
LM
Sullivan
Naomi J
NJ
Balamuth
D000293:Adolescent; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011258:Pregnancy Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human