Alpha-Fetoprotein, Carcinoembryonic Antigen, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Its Beta Subunit in Metastatic Choriocarcinoma

Abstract

Serum levels of a-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and its beta subunit (β-hCG) were measured during the therapy of a choriocarcinoma with lung metastases. All AFP determinations were in the normal range. The CEA levels showed a correlation with the radiologically confirmed development of lung metastases. A rise of hCG during the first 2–6 days to 177.3–407.5% of the initial level and a descent to 17.9–33.7% of the initial level at the 10th day of therapy were typical behavioral patterns associated with tumor sensitivity. The onset of tumor resistance against the chemo-therapeutic preparation used was evident within 10 days after therapy. A small rise, a slight fall below the initial value, and then a rapid increase to above the initial level were typical parameters. With established tumor resistance there was an autonomous unremitting increase of hCG activity. Short-term follow-up of hCG in intervals of 2 days at least for over a period of 10 days are deemed advisable for early detection of resistance toward the particular chemotherapeutic preparation used.

Elevated Sera Levels of SP-1 Induced by Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases

“…Similar patterns in the presence of tumor sensitivity were described by Bagshawe [20]. A small rise, a slight fall of hCG below the initial value, and then a rapid increase to above the initial level were typical parameters of the onset of tumor resistance against chemotherapeutic preparation [19].…”

“…11], Gips et al [19] measured serum hCG levels after MTX pulse therapy during the treatment of a patient with choriocarcinoma associated with lung metastases. A rise in hCG during the first 2-6 days to 177.3-407.5% of the initial level and a descent to 17.9-33.7% of the initial level at the 10th day of therapy were typical behavior patterns associated with tumor sensitivity.…”

Rising beta‐hCG titres following laparoscopic injection of methotrexate into unruptured, viable tubal pregnancies

“…Using hCG measurement, similar elevations were published by Bagshawe (1973). However, a small rise, followed by a slight fall of hCG below the initial level, and then a rapid increase above the initial level were typical parameters of the onset of resistance against chemotherapeutic preparation (Gips et al 1980). This phenomenon is also proposed in cases of treatment of ectopic pregnancies when MTX administration has failed.…”