Serum β‑hCG as a prognostic marker for colorectal adenocarcinoma in women of reproductive age: A case report and literature review
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- Published online on: November 18, 2024 https://doi.org/10.3892/mi.2024.207
- Article Number: 8
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Copyright : © Gong et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
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Abstract
Serological and histological examinations have unveiled the presence of free β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β‑hCG) in some cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The present study describes an unusual case of a young female patient afflicted with rapidly advancing adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. Despite the absence of pregnancy indications on an ultrasound and curettage, a notable elevation of β‑hCG was detected in the serum, alongside positive staining in the tumor tissue. β‑hCG‑positive colorectal adenocarcinoma is associated with a lower survival rate, tissue invasion and metastases, as well as a good response to chemotherapy, compared with β‑hCG‑negative counterparts. Moreover, the serum β‑hCG level decreases with treatment. Thus, β‑hCG may serve as a tumor marker for response monitoring. However, further studies are required to investigate the potential benefit of routine serological and histological β‑hCG studies in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.
