[hCG and its subunits as tumor markers]

hCG is known to be produced by trophoblastic cells as well as by many normal tissues and malignancies. hCG is considered as a reliable marker for gonadal and extra gonadal choriocarcinomas; moreover it has been evidenced by immunohistochemical techniques in other malignancies. In this study, hCG and/or its alpha and beta subunits were detected in 73 males. Intact hCG was detected in 48 patients with gonadal tumors (n = 37) or extragonadal malignancies (n = 11), with or without free alpha or beta subunits. In the other 25 patients, native hCG was not detected but there were significant amounts of free beta subunit in 8 germ cells tumors and 17 extragonadal tumors. The production of free beta chains is correlated with a severe evolution in extragonadal tumors. hCG should be considered as a good marker for many tumors, but it is absolutely necessary to evaluate intact hCG as well as free beta chains.