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 hCG beta 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 hCG beta was determined by a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and SCCAg by a solid phase immunoenzymometric assay. Elevated preoperative hCG beta levers were observed in 8 (14%) and elevated SCCAg in 12 (20%) out of 59 patients. Patients with preoperatively elevated hCG beta had a shorter recurrence-free survival when compared with those with normal hCG beta 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 hCG beta (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 hCG beta 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. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.