Ectopic production of human chorionic gonadotropin in ugandan patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The frequency of ectopic production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was determined in 125 Ugandan patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Seventeen, or 13.6%, had measurable serum levels of hCG. The hCG-positive group was older and had a lower incidence of the presence of alpha-fetoprotein than did the hCG-negative group (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the presence of hCG and the presence or absence of elevated serum proline hydroxylase activity, hepatitis-associated antigen or antibody, cirrhosis, or the length of survival. Thus, the presence of hCG in the blood of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma does not alter his prognosis. Its utility as a marker for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and other neoplasms and for following the effect of therapy remains to be determined.