Concentration of free hCGβ subunit in serum as a prognostic marker for squamous-cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx

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Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum hCGβ in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients (n = 59) with cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx. As a reference marker we used squamous‐cell carcinoma antigen (SCCAg). A blood sample was obtained from all patients before primary surgery. Serum hCGβ was determined by a time‐resolved immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and SCCAg by a solid phase immunoenzymometric assay. Elevated preoperative hCGβ levels were observed in 8 (14%) and elevated SCCAg in 12 (20%) out of 59 patients. Patients with preoperatively elevated hCGβ had a shorter recurrence‐free survival when compared with those with normal hCGβ levels (log‐rank Chi‐squared = 6.83, p =.009), and the risk‐ratio for recurrence during follow‐up for those was 3.6 (95% CI = 1.29–9.94). In a Cox multivariate model hCGβ (p = 0.039) and stage (p = 0.044) were independent prognostic factors. SCCAg showed no correlation with recurrence‐free survival. We conclude that determination of hCGβ in serum is a potential marker in the prognostic evaluation of patients with SCC of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Int. J. Cancer (Pred. Oncol.) 84:525–528, 1999.