Elevated hCG Research Articles

FDG PET scan (PET) positive residual lesions after chemotherapy (chemo) for metastatic seminoma: Results of an International Global Germ Cell Cancer Group (G3) registry.

4521 Background: Residual disease is a frequent finding after chemo for metastatic seminoma. Watchful waiting is recommended for residual lesions < 3 cm or lesions ≥3 cm with negative PET. Data on the optimal management of PET positive residual lesions is lacking. Methods: A retrospective analysis within the G3 Group identified 91 patients (pts) from 9 countries with metastatic seminoma and residual PET positive lesions after chemo. Pts with elevated AFP ( > 2xULN) or non-seminomatous components at diagnosis were excluded. We analyzed the post PET management chosen and its impact on relapse and survival. Results: Median follow-up was 29 (IQR 10 – 64) months. Median age at diagnosis was 41 (range 19 – 69) years. The primary tumor was gonadal in 68 pts (76%), retroperitoneal in 12 pts (13%) and mediastinal in 10 pts (11%). Prior to chemo the median size of the largest metastasis was 10 (range 1.4 – 23) cm, 67 pts (74%) had elevated LDH and 51 pts (57%) elevated HCG. Median diameter of the largest residual mass was 4.8 (range 1.1 – 14) cm mainly located in the retroperitoneum (77%), pelvis (15%), mediastinum (16%) or lung (4%). Median time from last day of chemo to PET was 7 (IQR 4 – 10) weeks. Post PET management was repeated imaging in 46 pts (51%), resection in 32 pts (35%), biopsy in 9 pts (10%) and radiotherapy in 4 pts (4%). Histology of the resected specimen was necrosis only in 25 (78%) and vital seminoma in 7 cases (22%). No biopsy revealed vital seminoma. Relapses occurred after a median of 3.7 (IQR 2.5 – 4.9) months in 16 pts (18%): 2/9 (22%) after biopsy, 12/46 (26%) on repeated imaging and 2/32 (6%) after resection (one necrosis, one < 10% vital seminoma). Site of relapse was the area of residual disease in 14 pts (88%) and additional distant relapse (one bone, one lung) in 2 pts (12%). All relapsed pts received successful salvage chemo apart from one who died from treatment and two pts who are alive with ongoing treatment. Conclusions: PET positive post chemo residual lesions in seminoma pts are false positive in about 75%. Relapses in PET positive pts occur early and can be salvaged with chemo. Further analysis is needed to identify risk factors for relapse.

Role of Hysterectomy in the Management of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: Review Citing Three Interesting Cases

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is characterized by the persistent elevation of beta HCG. It comprises invasive mole, placental site trophoblastic tumor and choriocarcinoma. Effective chemotherapy regimens have largely replaced hysterectomy as a primary mode of treatment in GTN. Even then not all cases can be cured with chemotherapy alone. However, there are still some indications wherein hysterectomy plays a crucial role. To discuss and emphasize the role of hysterectomy in certain specific situation on Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia. We are citing three interesting scenarios where hysterectomy played a major role in the management of GTN along with the literature review of some of the recent articles that have been published on this topic. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is very chemosensitive; even then surgical extirpation including hysterectomy still has a vital and crucial role in their management. Correct diagnosis and the right time of intervention are the key factors.

A Case Report of Elevated hCG Levels In Menopause - A Clinical Dilemma

A Case Report of Elevated hCG Levels In Menopause - A Clinical Dilemma

672: Labor induction versus expectant management in pregnancies with elevated HCG or AFP in the second trimester triple test

672: Labor induction versus expectant management in pregnancies with elevated HCG or AFP in the second trimester triple test

Urinary human chorionic gonadotropin isoform concentrations in doping control samples.

Anti-doping laboratories routinely use immunoassays to measure urinary concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). To minimize immunoassay differences and false positive screen results from inactive isoforms (free β-subunit (hCGβ), β-subunit core fragment (hCGβcf)) laboratories now use intact hCG instead of total hCG immunoassays to measure hCG. To determine the distribution of hCG isoforms in urine, we determined the concentrations of intact hCG, hCGβ, and hCGβcf in male urine samples based on immunoassay total hCG concentrations using a sequential immunoextraction and a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. hCG was isolated using antibody-conjugated magnetic beads and unique tryptic peptides were quantified by LC-MS/MS. Negative samples with detectable but low total hCG concentrations (1.2-3.5 pmol/L) had intact and hCGβ concentrations <1.2 pmol/L, and hCGβcf concentrations <2.3 pmol/L by LC-MS/MS. Urine samples from an athlete receiving hCG had intact hCG concentrations ranging from 18.8 to 57.6 pmol/L, hCGβ concentrations <0.7 pmol/L, and hCGβcf concentrations ranging from 94 to 243% of the intact hCG concentration. In 27 atypical samples with total hCG concentrations ranging from 16.7 to 412.7 pmol/L with intact hCG <2.7 pmol/L by immunoassay, all samples had intact hCG concentrations <3.8 pmol/L and hCGβ concentrations <6.2 pmol/L by LC-MS/MS. hCGβcf concentrations by LC-MS/MS varied widely and ranged from 1.03 to 21.9 pmol/L. In summary, total hCG immunoassays significantly overestimate hCG concentrations and can produce false positive results. Although the intact hCG immunoassay slightly overestimates hCG concentrations compared to LC-MS/MS, it can distinguish between cases of hCG use and atypical cases with elevated total hCG concentrations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Complete molar pregnancy in adolescents from North and South America: Clinical presentation and risk of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

ObjectivesTo compare complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) clinical presentation and risk factors associated with GTN development between North American and South American adolescents. MethodsThis non-concurrent cohort study was undertaken including adolescents with CHM referred to centers in North America (New England Trophoblastic Disease Center, Harvard University, USA), and South America (Botucatu Trophoblastic Disease Center-São Paulo State University, Brazil; Trophoblastic Unit of Central University of Venezuela and Maternidad Concepcion Palacios of Caracas, Venezuela) between 1990 and 2012. Data were obtained from medical records and pathology reports. Study participants were allocated into 2 groups: North America (NA) and South America (SA). ResultsIn NA and SA, 13.1% and 30.9% of patients with hydatidiform mole were adolescents, respectively. Of these, 77.6% in NA and 86.1% in SA had pathologic diagnosis of CHM (p=0.121). Vaginal bleeding (SA=69% vs NA=51%; p=0.020), anemia (SA=48% vs NA=18%; p<0.001), and elevated serum hCG (SA=232,860mIU/mL vs NA=136,412mIU/mL; p=0.039) were more frequent in SA than in NA. Median gestational age at diagnosis (SA=12weeks, NA=11weeks; p=0.030) differed whereas GTN development rate (SA=20%, NA=27%; p=0.282) showed no significant difference between groups. Compared to NA, medical complications and clinical factors associated with post-molar GTN were more frequent among SA adolescents. ConclusionsMedical complications and clinical factors associated with GTN development were more frequent in SA than in NA adolescents with CHM, suggesting that, in South America, awareness about the importance of diagnosing molar pregnancy early and considering CHM in the differential diagnosis in adolescents suspected to be pregnant should be raised.

Low-dose aspirin for pre-eclampsia prevention in twins with elevated human chorionic gonadotropin.

The objective of the study is to evaluate low-dose aspirin (LDA) for pre-eclampsia prevention in twin gestations with elevated maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units High-Risk Aspirin trial for pre-eclampsia prevention. A threshold hCG level for predicting pre-eclampsia was identified in placebo-randomized patients. Pre-eclampsia incidence and time of onset were compared between treatment groups, overall and by hCG threshold category. Pre-eclampsia incidence was lower with LDA than with placebo (6% vs 16%, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.82). An hCG threshold of 29.96 IU ml(-1) best predicted pre-eclampsia. In patients with hCG <29.96 IU ml(-1), the differences in pre-eclampsia incidence or time of onset were not significant. In patients with hCG >29.96 IU ml(-1), LDA was associated with lower pre-eclampsia incidence than placebo (6% vs 23%, OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.79) and delayed onset. Twin gestations with elevated hCG levels may benefit from LDA for pre-eclampsia prevention.

Long-term outcome of patients with persistent low-level elevation of human chorionic gonadotrophin.

The aim of this study was to investigate a series of patients with sustained low-level elevated human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and explore the management of these patients. A total of 47 patients with persistent low levels of hCG were selected for analysis between January 2002 and January 2014 at the Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. Data were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and follow-ups. We compared the characteristics of patients who were and were not eventually considered to have malignancies. Among the 47 patients, 17 with persistent low-level elevated hCG and no detectable lesions were considered to have no active malignancy. Fifteen of the 17 patients had hCG levels that returned to normal range by the end of follow-up, while the remaining two did not. The other 30 patients were eventually diagnosed as having active malignancies due to detected lesions or increasing elevation of hCG. A large proportion of these patients were diagnosed with placental site trophoblastic tumor or epithelioid trophoblastic tumor. For patients with persistent low-level elevated hCG, frequent follow-up rather than any therapy is recommended. Treatment was considered effective and safe once diagnosis of active malignancy was confirmed.

Clinical characteristics of mirror syndrome: a comparison of 10 cases of mirror syndrome with non-mirror syndrome fetal hydrops cases

Objective: To investigate clinical features of mirror syndrome.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 71 cases of fetal hydrops with or without mirror syndrome, and compared with respect to maternal age, the body mass index, the primipara rate, the gestational age at delivery, the timing of fetal hydrops onset, the severity of fetal edema, placental swelling, the laboratory data and the fetal mortality. The data are expressed as the medians.Results: Mirror syndrome developed in 29% (10/35) of the cases with fetal hydrops. In mirror group, the onset time of fetal hydrops was significantly earlier (29 weeks versus 31 weeks, p = 0.011), and the severity of fetal hydrops (fetal edema/biparietal diameter) was significantly higher than non-mirror group (0.23 versus 0.16, p < 0.001). There was significantly higher serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (453 000 IU/L versus 80 000 IU/L, p < 0.001) and lower hemoglobin (8.9 g/dL versus 10.1 g/dL, p = 0.002), hypoalbuminemia (2.3 mg/dL versus 2.7 mg/dL, p = 0.007), hyperuricemia (6.4 mg/dL versus 5.0 mg/dL, p = 0.043) in mirror group.Conclusion: Mirror syndrome is occurred frequently in early and severe fetal hydrops and cause hemodilution and elevation of serum hCG.

Abnormal Biochemical Analytes Used for Aneuploidy Screening and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Twin Gestations.

The objective of this study was to determine if first- and second-trimester biochemical markers for aneuploidy have an association with adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin gestations. A retrospective cohort study of patients who presented with dichorionic diamniotic twin gestations was performed. Patients with first-trimester low pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) or low free β human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), or second-trimester elevated α-fetoprotein (AFP), elevated inhibin A, elevated hCG, or low unconjugated estradiol were identified. The rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared between patients with or without abnormal analytes with p < 0.05 used as significance. In this study, 340 pregnancies were included. Patients with a low PAPP-A had an increased risk for delivery < 37 weeks. Patients with an elevated second-trimester hCG had an increased risk for spontaneous delivery < 28 weeks and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Patients with an elevated inhibin A had an increased risk of spontaneous delivery at < 37 and NICU admission. Patients with an elevated AFP had an increased risk of a NICU admission. Certain abnormal aneuploidy markers are associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin gestations.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is expressed virtually in all intracranial germ cell tumors

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production has been utilized as a diagnostic marker for germinoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGC) and choriocarcinoma. Elevated hCG in germinoma is considered to predict less favorable prognosis, and an intensive treatment strategy may accordingly be applied. However, there is some evidence that any germinoma may produce hCG to varying extent. We investigated mRNA expression of the hCG β subunit (hCGβ) using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 94 germ cell tumors (GCTs). Most (93.3%) GCTs showed higher expression levels compared with that of normal brain tissue (1.09×10(0)-1.40×10(5) fold). The expression was the highest in GCTs which harbor choriocarcinoma or STGC components. The expression level of hCGβ in germinoma was highly variable (1.09×10(0)-5.88×10(4) fold) in linear but not bimodal distribution. hCG concentrations in serum and CSF correlated with gene expression, especially when GCTs with single histological component were analyzed separately. The expression was not significantly associated with recurrence in pure germinoma. These results suggest that the serum/CSF hCG levels may need to be interpreted with caution as most GCTs appear to have the capacity of producing hCG irrespective of their histology. The clinical significance of ubiquitous hCG expression in GCTs needs further investigation.

Clinical outcomes of intermediate risk metastatic germ cell tumors (IRGCT): Results from a single-institution series.

380 Background: IRGCT comprises a consistent category of metastatic patients (pts), and information on the recommended management of these pts should be updated. Usually they enter clinical trials for poor prognosis GCT. We aimed to address the heterogeneity of this category and to identify clinical prognostic factors for sub-stratification of pts. Methods: Data on consecutive pts with IRGCT and who received treatment at Fondazione INT Milano in the time-frame 02/1980-03/2014 were collected. Cox regression analyses were done evaluating potential prognostic factors for overall survival (OS, primary endpoint) to first-line therapy. Each factor was evaluated in a multivariable model. An exploratory OS comparison between outlier groups was undertaken with Kaplan Meier curves and logrank test. Results: Data on 181 pts were collected. Median age was 27 yrs (IQR 22-32), 10 pts had a retroperitoneal (RP) primary, 6 had pure seminoma. 72 (39.8%) had lung metastases and 54 (32.3%) bulky (i.e. ≥10cm) RP lymph-nodes (LN). Pts received cisplatin, bleomycin and etoposide (PEB, n=156) or vinblastine (PVB, n=23), 2 other treatments. Median follow up was 173 months (IQR: 87-237). Globally, 5-y PFS and OS were 66.8% (95%CI: 60.1-74.2) and 83.3% (77.8-89.2). However, 5-y OS for pts with AFP 5,000-10,000 IU/ml (N=19) was 61.8% (95%CI: 43.0-88.7) while it was 89.1% (95%CI: 81.2-97.7) for nonseminomas with elevated LDH only (N=57) and similar for elevated HCG only (N=22); overall p&lt;0.001. Multivariable analysis for OS is shown in the table (c-index= 0.63). Distribution of variables over time: bulky RP LN and elevated LDH were more frequent in earlier series (p=0.003 and 0.011). Conclusions: The prognostic heterogeneity of IRGCT category is a matter of fact and should be addressed by clinical trials. Pts with highly elevated AFP have an OS similar to poor prognostic category, while those categorized by elevated HCG or LDH only are close to good risk ones. [Table: see text]

Mid-trimester maternal serum AFP and hCG as markers of preterm and term adverse pregnancy outcomes.

To evaluate the predictive values of mid-trimester serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for preterm and term placenta-mediated adverse pregnancy outcomes (PMAPOs). We extracted data for nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy without aneuploidy or lethal fetal anomalies from a prospective cohort study. Maternal serum AFP and hCG measured between 13 and 17 weeks of gestation and expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) for gestational age were compared between women who developed a PMAPO (preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal death) before term or at term and women who did not develop any of these complications. Among 3466 nulliparous women, maternal serum AFP and hCG levels were available in 2110 and 2125 cases, respectively. Women who developed a PMAPO before term had a higher median level of serum AFP (1.4 vs. 1.1 MoM; P < 0.01) and hCG (1.3 vs. 1.1 MoM; P < 0.01) than controls. A serum hCG > 2.0 MoM was associated with a higher risk of PMAPO before term (RR 4.6; CI 95% 2.3 to 9.1) but had no impact on the risk of PMAPO at term (RR 1.1; CI 95% 0.7 to 1.7). Maternal serum AFP > 2.0 MoM was also associated with a significant increase in the risk of preterm PMAPO (RR 3.9; CI 95% 1.6 to 9.8) but not term PMAPO (RR 1.2; CI 95% 0.6 to 2.3). Maternal serum AFP or hCG > 2.0 MoM increases the risk of preterm PMAPO but not term PMAPO in our population. We suggest that women with elevated serum AFP or hCG should receive standard pregnancy care once they have reached 37 weeks of gestation if fetal growth is in the normal range.

1. Persistent elevation of BHCG-levels in a patient with stage 5D Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction and aim: A 24 year old female with Stage 5D chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with persistent positive BHCG levels. BHCG elevation causes include pregnancy, pituitary production, hydatidiform mole, persistent trophoblast disease, malignancies and false positive hCG. Variants of the hCG molecule has been identified and includes sulfated hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG, hCG free β-subunit and hyperglycosylated hCG free β-subunit. Different hCG fractions are generated depending on the disease process. Isolated cases of falsely raised BHCG in both men and women with CKD have been reported. Origin of hCG has been attributed to pituitary production, coupled with CKD impairing metabolism and clearance of hCG.Methodology: Samples were tested by the NHLS Universitas Academic Laboratory using the Cobas e 601 analyzer (Roche) for intact human chorionic gonadotropin and the β-subunit. This immunoassay detects the holo-hormone, nicked forms of hCG, β-core fragment and free β-subunit. A qualitative urine test, detecting total hCG was negative, while a laboratory urine analysis had a positive result. Analysis on different instruments and serial dilutions excluded assay interference from human antimouse antibodies (HAMA), heterophilic antibodies or a high dose hook effect. Imaging studies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, pelvis, computed tomography (CT) chest and pelvic ultra sound was performed. Diagnostic laparoscopy was refused by the patient due to her ongoing peritoneal dialysis.Results: Serial BHCG results show persistent elevation. Imaging studies yielded no explanation to HCG production.Conclusion: Elevated BHCG could be attributed to a tumour of gestational or non-gestational origin, failed pregnancy, familial elevated hCG, reduced clearance and degradation of hCG in CKD or changes of hCG associated with CKD. Immunoassay interference should be considered when patient results and clinical presentation differs. False positive test results may subject patients to unnecessary investigation and it may prevent patients from qualifying for organ transplantation.

The role of unexplained high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in the second trimester to determine poor obstetric outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between gestational complications and high levels of maternal serum alfa-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and/or beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and to determine whether these markers are effective predictors of poor pregnancy outcomes.Materials and Methods:In this study, we enrolled a total of 679 women at 15-20 gestational weeks with MSAFP and hCG below or above 2.0 multiples of the median (MoM); of those, 200 women with normal MSAFP and hCG MoM formed the control group. Pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), preterm labor, preterm delivery, placental abruption, placenta previa, placenta accreta, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), intrauterine fetal death, as well as neonatal and perinatal morbidity rates were evaluated.Results:A significant relationship was found between adverse pregnancy outcomes and abnormal elevation of hCG and AFP levels in the second trimester. In cases of isolated elevation of hCG, preeclampsia and preterm labor/spontaneous preterm birth rate were slightly higher than in the control group (p=0.043, p=0.015), while IUGR, PPROM, placental abruption, and intrauterine fetal death rates were all similar (p=0.063, p=0.318, p=1.00, p=0.556).In case having an elevation in both markers, increased rate of obstetric complications have been observed. A significant relationship was found between the high levels of maternal serum AFP and hCG MoM and poor pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia, IUGR, PPROM, intrauterine fetal death (p=0.003, p=0.001, p=0.040, p=0.006).Conclusion:To our knowledge, up to now, no definitive follow-up and treatment protocols have been established for patients at increased risk. In light of these findings, it is recommended to inform and educate patients about the most likely signs and symptoms of complications, to make more often antenatal visits, to perform more frequent ultrasound examination (fetal growth, AFI, etc.), NST, arterial/venous doppler, biophysical profile, and cervical length measurements in high-risk group.

OP24.07: Systemic methotrexate as an effective treatment for non‐viable caesarean section scar pregnancy

There is no consensus on the management of caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSP). We aim to identify factors affecting treatment outcome using systemic methotrexate. Cases of CSP were reviewed retrospectively in a teaching hospital from January 2011 to December 2013. The diagnosis was based on the following sonographic criteria: an empty uterus, an empty cervical canal and presence of the sac in the anterior part of the uterine isthmus. Cases were classified into 2 groups; Group A - successful treatment by systemic methotrexate (im MTX) 50 mg/m3 alone with complete resolution of serum hCG; Group B - failure of im MTX as evident by persistently elevated serum hCG requiring additional treatment. In addition, a search of English-language literature was performed in PubMed using keyword ‘caesarean scar pregnancy’, from year 2009 to 2013. Cases with systemic MTX alone as initial treatment were included in the analysis. The association of maternal age, number of C/S, time from last C/S, pre-treatment serum hCG level, fetal cardiac activity, maximum sac diameter, time for serum hCG resolution in both groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and Barnard's Exact test as appropriate. Fourteen cases of CSP were diagnosed during the studied period with 12 cases used systemic MTX alone as initial treatment. About 300 cases were identified in PubMed and 7 cases satisfied the inclusion criteria. Total 19 cases were included for analysis, 14 cases (74%) with successful treatment with systemic MTX were in group A and 5 cases (26%) were in group B. All cases in group A had single dose systemic MTX as the treatment regime. Analysis showed that fetal cardiac activity was associated with failed treatment by systemic MTX (p = 0.04). All other factors were not useful in predicting the treatment outcome (p > 0.05). Systemic methotrexate is an effective treatment for non-viable caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy.

Discrepant serum and urine β-hCG results due to production of β-hCG by a cribriform-morular variant of thyroid papillary carcinoma

BackgroundAlthough patients with medullary thyroid cancer are known to present with paraneoplastic hormone production, this is much less common with papillary thyroid cancer. MethodsWe present a patient with the cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid cancer in association with familial adenomatous polyposis who developed a positive pregnancy test in the absence of known pregnancy. The patient had developed vaginal bleeding, and her laboratory testing was characterized by elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) concentrations, but negative qualitative urine results. After a thorough gynecological evaluation to exclude unexpected normal, ectopic, or molar pregnancy, we pursued an evaluation for other sources of β-hCG production. ResultsWe showed that the elevated serum β-hCG concentrations were not the result of heterophile antibody interferences, and ultimately we proved that her recurrent tumor produced the ectopic β-hCG. This is the first report of β-hCG production by papillary thyroid cancer. Thus, the possibility of ectopic production of β-hCG by papillary thyroid cancer needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of elevated hCG concentration in the absence of pregnancy. ConclusionsThis study of an unusual paraneoplastic syndrome highlights the importance of investigating discrepancies in the clinical laboratory.

Observation Versus Adjuvant Radiation or Chemotherapy in the Management of Stage I Seminoma

The management of stage I seminoma has evolved over the past 20 years. Contemporary management options after orchiectomy include adjuvant radiation, adjuvant chemotherapy, and observation. This analysis defines the experience at Kaiser Permanente Southern California from 1990 to 2010. We examined outcomes for stage I seminoma patients and reviewed prognostic factors for recurrence in those managed with observation. This is a retrospective study of 502 stage I seminoma patients who underwent orchiectomy from 1990 to 2010. Outcomes examined were relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and cause-specific survival (CSS). Risk factors for recurrence evaluated were age, preoperative hCG elevation, preoperative LDH elevation, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, rete testis invasion, epididymis invasion, and invasion through the tunica albuginea. Among radiation patients, 5-year RFS was 97.2%, OS was 98.0%, and CSS was 99.3%. Among chemotherapy patients, 2-year RFS was 98.3% and OS and CSS were 100%. Among observation patients, 5-year RFS was 89.2%, OS was 98.8%, and CSS was 100%. There was no difference in OS or CSS among the groups. RFS was significantly lower for observation patients. Among observation patients, univariate analysis identified tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and rete testis invasion as risk factors for relapse. No factors were significant on multivariate analysis. Our data show that adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy yield similar outcomes in the management of stage I seminoma. Observation results in a lower RFS, but patients who relapse can be salvaged; OS and CSS are not affected.

Significant immunohistochemical expression of human chorionic gonadotropin in high-grade osteosarcoma is rare, but may be associated with clinically elevated serum levels.

Survival rates have plateaued at 70% for osteosarcoma. Proteins ectopically produced by malignant tumors may provide insight into new therapeutic targets. Osteosarcomas secreting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been suggested to have a worse prognosis. We examined the frequency of expression of β-subunit of hCG (β-hCG) in pretreatment osteosarcoma biopsies, and asked if it was associated with various clinical prognostic parameters, and the development of metastases. We subjected 51 pretreatment biopsies of high-grade osteosarcoma, from 51 patients, to β-hCG immunohistochemistry. In 19 of these patients, postchemotherapy metastatic biopsies also were examined for β-hCG expression. Clinical information (patient age, sex, survival status, and serum hCG in females only), and tumor characteristics (site, size, and presence of metastases) were recorded. The β-hCG positive and negative biopsies were separated and compared. Of 49 interpretable pretreatment biopsies, 28 (57%) showed positive cytoplasmic β-hCG expression: 27 with sparse positivity (1% of tumor cells) and 1 with frequent positivity (10% of tumor cells). The patient with frequent β-hCG positivity in her pretreatment biopsy had elevated serum hCG (88.2 mIU/mL) at diagnosis, decreasing to undetectable following chemotherapy and definitive resection. There was no difference in clinical parameters or rate of metastasis between β-hCG positive versus negative groups. Expression of β-hCG may be seen in high-grade osteosarcoma, but frequent β-hCG immunohistochemical expression by tumor cells, associated with clinically elevated serum β-hCG, is rare. Recognition that some nongerm cell tumors may produce β-hCG can prevent confusion with malignancies containing neoplastic syncytiotrophoblast cells, including germ cell and trophoblastic tumors.

PMM.88 Screening for Down’s Syndrome in Women with Renal Disease

IntroductionIn 2001, the UK National Screening Committee advised that all pregnant mothers should be offered a screening test for Down’s syndrome (DS). This is performed at first (biomarkers and ultrasound)...