Ectopic human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) production: is the detection by serum analysis of HCG of clinical relevance in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential value of ectopic beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG) measurement in the clinical management of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective serological study of 163 consecutive patients undergoing cystoscopy as new or review cases was performed to assess any correlation between beta HCG production and histological grading or stage.

RESULTS

Ten per cent of patients with TCC had a raised beta HCG level but there was no correlation with tumour differentiation, staging or prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

beta HCG has no role as a tumour marker for TCC and therefore appears unlikely to play a part in the clinical management or treatment of urothelial tumours.