Placental hormones as possible markers in gynaecological cancer

Two placental hormones (human chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic somatotropin) were assayed in serum of patients bearing a wide variety of malignant tumours. The incidences of these hormones were found to be higher among female patients. Further studies revealed that the incidence was high in patients with malignant tumours of the gonads, breast, uterus and cervix. It was shown that these hormones are the products of tumour cells and that they are released in circulation. Studies on cervix cancer suggest that they may be useful aids in following the course of therapy.