[The significance of the measurement of a serum gonadotropin-like substance in gastric cancer].

The serum concentration of hCG and CEA in 277 gastric cancers was extensively studied. 8.6% for hCG and 18% for CEA were regarded as positive. 9.4% of patients showed elevated serum level for both hCG and CEA, on the other hand 7% of the patients showed high hCG only. All of hCG positive patients had severe lymph nodal involvement. All cases of hCG positive and 85% of CEA positive cases were classified as stage 4. Macroscopically, 85% of hCG positive cases and 40% of CEA positive cases showed generalized type. Histological type was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in 72% of tumors with elevated serum hCG level, but in only 35% of tumors with elevated serum CEA level. The content of hCG subunits in serum and tumor showed different levels among patients. The hCG positive cases did not reveal endocrine symptom. The prognosis of these patients with elevated serum hCG and CEA level were poor. One year survival rates were 0% and 30%, respectively. These results showed that both hCG and CEA, especially when used in combination, was potentially useful marker for determination of staging, recurrence and prognosis in gastric cancer.