Serum β‑hCG as a prognostic marker for colorectal adenocarcinoma in women of reproductive age: A case report and literature review

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.