Is ectopic production of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or alpha fetoprotein (AFP) by tumours a marker of chemosensitivity?
Crawford, S.M.; Ledermann, J.A.; Turkie, W.; Rustin, G.J.; Begent, R.H.; Newlands, E.S.; Bagshawe, K.D.
European Journal of Cancer and Clinical Oncology 22(12): 1483-1487
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0277-5379 PMID: 2439342 Document Number: 271790
We have treated eight patients with various tumours producing hCG or AFP with the high risk gestational choriocarcinoma regimen EMA/CO. Marker response was seen in two of three tumours producing AFP and in all of five tumours producing hCG. Three further patients were treated with EpPt/OMB, a regimen used in relapsed germ cell tumours. All responded biochemically. All complete biochemical responses were accompanied by anatomical response. These responses may reflect particular sensitivity in the marker producing tumours and marker measurements would identify this subgroup. These findings do not preclude the possibility that these cytotoxic regimens may have activity against a wide range of solid tumours.