Ectopic production of β-hCG by osteosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2014 Apr;36(3):e202-6. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000037.

Abstract

Ectopic production of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) by nontrophoblastic tumors has been reported but mostly in carcinomas. We report a case of an adolescent female patient with a epithelioid osteosarcoma that was discovered to secrete β-hCG after routine pregnancy testing. Immunohistochemical staining of her primary tumor biopsy demonstrated immunoreactivity for β-hCG. Levels of serum β-hCG were monitored throughout her therapy and demonstrated normalization with effective systemic therapy and local control. She remains disease free 6 months off therapy, with undetectable hormone levels. A review of the available literature on β-hCG production by sarcomas is also presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Bone Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Osteosarcoma / drug therapy
  • Osteosarcoma / metabolism*
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Sarcoma / drug therapy
  • Sarcoma / metabolism*
  • Sarcoma / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human