Clinical evaluation of human chorionic gonadotropin levels in men with testicular tumors

In patients with testicular tumor, HCG β serves as a sensitive, specific marker of tumor activity. Because HCG β levels correlate well with response to therapy, this test may be useful in selecting men for adjunctive irradiation or chemotherapy. HCG β is far more sensitive and specific than conventional methods for detecting HCG production. Following unilateral orchiectomy for carcinoma of the testis, elevated serum luteinizing hormone levels are common, and may be unrelated to the presence or activity of residual tumor. In this study, 25% of patients with testicular tumors had demonstrable HCG β levels. This test should provide a reliable index for following disease activity and response to therapy.