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

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. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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