[Human B-HCG and AFP as biological markers in germinal testicular tumors]

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG) were determined in 64 cases of testicular germinal tumors. Pure seminomas do not produce either AFP or BHCG, endodermal sinus tumors always produce AFP and never BHCG. Testicular germinal tumors may produce BHCG (44.4 per 100) and AFP (33.3 per 100), one or both at a time. There is a significant correlation between the amount of BHCG and AFP on the one hand, and tumor size and tumor dissemination on the other. When therapy is effective, BHCG and AFP become negative, while they remain positive in case of incomplete tumor removal or turn again to positive in case of relapse.