Current status of tumor markers in testicular cancer. A practical review

Detection of serum and cellular AFP and hCG has made a significant contribution in understanding and management of testicular cancer. It is essential to remember the following events in utilizing these markers: (1) Histologic diagnosis of seminoma, but AFP is elevated. There is usually an element of choriocarcinoma. (2) Histologic diagnosis of seminoma and highly elevated hCG greater than 100 ng/ml has usually an element of choriocarcinoma. (3) Histologic diagnosis of choriocarcinoma with an elevated serum AFP. There is usually an element of embryonal carcinoma. (4) Pathologic stage I nonseminomatous testicular cancer with elevated serum markers is either stage II or stage III. (5) In a recent study of 23 patients undergoing resection of residual nonseminomatous testicular cancer after intensive chemotherapy, 21 had either teratoma in primary tumor or bulky metastatic disease. The markers were normalized after chemotherapy and prior to resection. (6) Although normalization of these markers after chemotherapy indicates effective therapeutic response, one should look of residual tumor utilizing radiologic investigations.