Documentation of complete resolution of gestational choriocarcinoma in the oophorectomized patient

A 39-year-old woman with choriocarcinoma metastatic to the lungs and parametrium underwent total abdominal hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and follow-up chemotherapy with regression of the hCG assay, plateauing at 9 mIU/ml. Spinal fluid hCG assay was negative. An LH assay was performed which was 135 mIU/ml (2nd IRP-HMG). A quantitative hCG assay was performed on two sources of purified LH at varying concentrations to determine the contribution of LH cross-reactivity. When corrected for the LH contribution, the quantitative hCG was zero. Chemotherapy was discontinued. At 12-months follow-up the patient has remained in complete chemical remission and has an excellent performance status. Whenever a patient is oophorectomized, LH cross-reactivity should be ruled out as a cause for persistent low titers of hCG.