Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma expressing human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit
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Published on: May 17, 2024
Michał Piekarz1, Anna Szczerba2, Aleksandra Śliwa2
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Locomotor System, Hospital in Puszczykowo, Puszczykowo, Poland.
Background:
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a high-grade, aggressive malignant tumour of fibrogenic origin, characterised by substantial cellular heterogeneity and poor prognosis. The lack of specific early clinical manifestations delays diagnosis and effective therapeutic intervention. In this study, we present a case of human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (hCGβ) expression in UPS.
Materials And Methods:
The presence of hCGβ was confirmed at both the mRNA and protein levels using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Transcripts encoding hCGβ were also detected in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) isolated from the patient's blood.
Results:
These findings highlight hCGβ as a potential molecular marker associated with UPS biology and its tumour microenvironment. The identification of hCGβ-expressing CTCs through non-invasive liquid biopsy underscores the potential of this marker for real-time monitoring of tumour progression and for tailoring personalised therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
The results of the study support the growing concept that integrating molecular markers derived from the tumour microenvironment into diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks may significantly enhance precision oncology approaches for soft tissue sarcomas.
