Beta human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations in serum of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is normally produced and secreted by trophoblastic cells during pregnancy and from gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. It is also detected in ovarian, stomach, and colon adenocarcinomas, as well as in squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. Recently, interest in its role in the pathogenesis of tumours has been enlivened after the presence of beta hCG in the cell membrane of several malignant cells was shown in vitro. AIMS To investigate the circulating concentrations of beta hCG in patients with exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma and to examine its potential prognostic value. PATIENTS Thirty six patients with exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis, and 21 healthy volunteers were studied. METHODS beta hCG serum concentrations were detected by the application of a radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS Fifteen of 36 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and only one patient with chronic pancreatitis had detectable plasma concentrations of beta hCG (p < 0.01). The patients with circulating serum titres of beta hCG had a worse outcome compared with the group of beta hCG negative patients: the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION More than 40% of pancreatic exocrine tumours produce beta hCG and its production is correlated with an adverse effect on outcome.