[Gestational trophoblastic tumors]

The term gestational trophoblastic tumours covers hydatidiform moles, invasive moles and choriocarcinomas. These are rare diseases remarkable for their high chemosensitivity. The current objective is to cure all patients while preserving their potential for child bearing. Several studies have elicited prognostic factors, so that treatment can be adjusted to each individual patient. Advances in immunochemistry have led to the discovery of a highly reliable marker (HCG and beta-HCG) which has proved valuable to confirm the diagnosis and to follow the patients during and after treatment.