Clinical evaluation of basic fetoprotein in testicular cancer

We attempted to determine the efficacy of basic fetoprotein as a marker in testicular cancer. The levels of serum basic fetoprotein were studied in 58 patients (31 with seminoma and 27 with nonseminoma). Elevated levels were observed in 22 seminoma (71 per cent) and 15 nonseminoma (56 per cent) patients, while the levels of other markers (beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein and lactic dehydrogenase) remained normal in 6 seminoma (19 per cent) and 2 nonseminoma (7 per cent) patients. The levels of basic fetoprotein changed in relation to the clinical courses and they elevated again in 3 of 4 patients with recurrence. The concentration of basic fetoprotein in testicular cancer tissue was significantly higher than in the normal testis. Histological localization of basic fetoprotein in testicular cancer tissue was demonstrated immunohistochemically. Thus, basic fetoprotein was considered to be a useful serum marker for testicular cancer.