Ectopic Production of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin by Neoplasms

  1. GLENN D. BRAUNSTEIN, M.D.;
  2. JUDITH L. VAITUKAITIS, M.D.;
  3. PAUL P. CARBONE, M.D.; and
  4. GRIFF T. ROSS, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P.
  1. Bethesda, Maryland

    Abstract

    The ectopic production of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) by nontrophoblastic neoplasms was investigated by a sensitive radioimmunoassay that specifically measures hCG in the presence of human luteinizing hormone. Of 828 patients with nontesticular neoplasms, 60 had detectable hCG. A high frequency of positive responses was found in patients with carcinomas of the stomach, liver, pancreas, and breast and with multiple myeloma and melanoma. The hCG secreted by tumors and hCG normally secreted by the human placenta were studied for similarity. Immunologic similarity was shown by parallel inhibition curves in the radioimmunoassay. Both native hCG and the hCG in plasma samples from patients with neoplasms had similar Sephadex G-100 elution patterns. In addition to similar immunologic and physical behavior, the hCG in plasma samples was biologically active. The frequency and types of tumors associated with hCG production are greater than has been previously appreciated.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Reproduction Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and Clinical Oncology Area, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.

    • ▸Address requests for reprints to Glenn D. Braunstein, M.D., Bldg. 10, Room 10B09, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. 20014.

      • Received June 19, 1972.
      • Accepted September 28, 1972.
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    1. Ann Intern Med January 1, 1973 vol. 78 no. 1 39-45
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