Serum alpha‐fetoprotein as a marker for the effect of post‐operative radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy in eight cases of ovarian endodermal sinus tumour

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Abstract
The clinical pathological findings of eight cases of ovarian endodermal sinus tumour (yolk sac tumour) are presented. Histological examination in all eight cases showed a typical endodermal sinus tumour pattern, and in six of the patients other tumour elements such as dysgerminoma, choriocarcinoma, malignant teratoma, endometriosis, and a dermoid cyst were also found. Six patients had increased serum alpha‐fetoprotein concentration in the postoperative period, and two patients had a normal concentration 27 and 35 days after operation, respectively. In all cases except one, a close correlation between serum alpha‐fetoprotein and progression or regression of tumour was found. Serum alpha‐fetoprotein was thus found to be a reliable parameter in post‐operative radiation and/or chemotherapy (VAMBLE). In one patient who died 10 months after operation with widespread endodermal sinus tumour growth, only a small terminal increase in serum alpha‐fetoprotein concentration was found. Four of the eight women are still alive with normal alpha‐fetoprotein concentration, and without clinical evidence of tumour disease.