Immunohistochemical detection of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in urothelial carcinoma

Histologic sections from the specimens of 60 patients with urothelial carcinoma were stained immunohistochemically to search for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (B-HCG) production. There were 6 doubtful, 5 weak and 1 strong positive B-HCG stainings among 65 sections from 60 patients. De novo acquisition of B-HCG production capability of tumour cells seemed to be predictive for early haematogenous dissemination of the disease, but the data obtained in this particular study were insufficient to suggest B-HCG as a routine prognostic marker.