Ectopic production of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin by malignant ovarian neoplasms

A sensitive and specific radio-immunoassay for the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-HCG) was performed on serum samples from 18 patients with large pelvic masses. No beta-HCG was detectable in 8 patients with either benign ovarian tumours or non-ovarian masses Ten patients had a malignant ovarian neoplasm, and 6 of these (60%) had raised beta-HCG levels. Cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary was the commonest malignant tumour (6/10) and the beta-HCG level was raised in 4 patients (66.6%) with this tumor. Serum beta-HCG values therefore appear to be useful in the management of ovarian neoplasms, both for the early diagnosis of occult tumor and for monitoring response to treatment.