[Glycoforms of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein in trophoblastic tumors prognosis]

Our purpose was to define the pattern of AGP glycolysation and concentration in cases of trophoblastic tumors.

The study population was 65 women suffering from hydatiform mola or choriocarcinoma. We divided them into two groups: 30 patients who required only operative management and 35 patients who required operative procedures and additional chemiotherapy. The observation period was 6 months. Blood samples were collected every 4 weeks. Concentration of AGP was measured in radial immunodyfusion. Glycolysation pattern was defined in Concanavalin A crossed affinoimmunoelectroforetic analysis.

The serum AGP concentration was significantly higher in patients treated only surgically (1026.1 +/- 241.0 mg/l) than in patients who required chemotherapy after operation (740.3 +/- 103.0 mg/l). AGP microheterogeneity was represented by 2 to 4 glycoforms.

Patients with hydatiform molar and choriocarcinoma reveal characteristic changes in concentration and microheterogeneity of AGP, which are associated with disease prognosis. They allow to determine at the time of establishing a diagnosis, whether a patient can be treated only surgically or with additional chemotherapy.