Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin as a tumor marker for malignant mesothelioma

Abstract

Peritoneal mesotheliomas are aggressive tumors arising from the peritoneal mesothelium. Tumor markers are biochemical substances produced by tumor cells due to the effect of malignant process. They can be used for screening, diagnosis, and predicting the prognosis. β-human chorionic β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG), is a marker of germ cell tumors and trophoblastic diseases. In some reports, a relationship between β-hCG and other malignant diseases has been described. Hereby, we present a case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma associated with elevated serum β-hCG levels. A 49-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with ascites. Peritoneal mesothelioma was diagnosed with peritoneal biopsy. During the treatment period, serum β-hCG levels were elevated together with disease progression and tissue samples stained positive for β-hCG. Rising levels of serum β-hCG due to disease progression can predict the response to treatment. If these levels were elevated at the beginning of the treatment, it may be a prognostic marker for peritoneal mesothelioma. Thus, β-hCG may be an important marker for prognosis or prediction of treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.