Abstract |
By establishing sensitive nested reverse transcription-PCRs for the detection of mRNA of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (betahCG), we investigated the presence of circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood of 119 patients with germ-cell tumor. A total of 336 blood samples obtained before and during therapy were examined with regard to clinical applicability. The overall ratio of positive PCR results was 26.5% and was independent of the serum concentration of AFP and hCG/betahCG. No correlation of the positivity for AFP- mRNA to serum AFP level was found. In contrast, positive results in betahCG-PCR were twice as frequent in patients with elevated serum hCG/betahCG levels as in those with normal serum hCG/betahCG levels (P = 0.012). To develop a valid correlation to tumor stage, tumor histology, and serum level of tumor markers, a subgroup of 36 patients was evaluated before definite therapy. The subgroup revealed an overall ratio of 33.3% positive PCR results. The serum level of both of the markers did not correlate with the detection of corresponding mRNA in peripheral blood samples. However, positive betahCG-PCR results were found exclusively in patients with elevated serum hCG/betahCG (6 of 18 versus 0 of 18; P = 0.019). Patients with stage IIC/III germ-cell tumor demonstrated nearly twice the frequency of positive PCR results as patients with stage I tumor [7 (41.2%) of 17 versus 4 (23.5%) of 17] in this subgroup. With regard to histology, positive PCR results were found mostly in embryonal carcinoma.
|
Authors | A L Hautkappe, M Lu, H Mueller, A Bex, A Harstrick, M Roggendorf, H Ruebben |
Journal | Cancer research
(Cancer Res)
Vol. 60
Issue 12
Pg. 3170-4
(Jun 15 2000)
ISSN: 0008-5472 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10866307
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
- RNA, Messenger
- alpha-Fetoproteins
|
Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Biomarkers, Tumor
(blood, metabolism)
- Case-Control Studies
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
(blood)
- Germinoma
(blood)
- Humans
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear
(metabolism)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- RNA, Messenger
(blood)
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
(methods)
- Seminoma
(blood, metabolism)
- Testicular Neoplasms
(blood)
- alpha-Fetoproteins
(genetics, metabolism)
|