Objectives: In the course of a prospective multicenter trial, the value of tumor markers in seminomas was assessed. Methods: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and placental alkaline phosphatase (P1AP) were determined before and after orchidectomy and in the follow-up. Patients with elevated α-fetoprotein were considered to have nonseminomas. The half-lives were 24-36 h for HCG and 1 day for LDH and P1AP. Results: The incidence of HCG, LDH and P1AP was 35, 34 and 56%,respectively. In 84% of the patients at least one of the three markers was elevated. PIAP had the highest sensitivity to detect metastatic disease (51 %),with a specificity of 91%. HCG and LDH were elevated in 42 and 46% of patients in stage II—III with specificities of 95 and 96%. PIAP was the best method to indicate a relapse, but the specificity was low, especially in smokers. For nonsmokers it was in the same range as HCG and LDH. Conclusions:Eighty-four percent of seminomas are marker-positive. PIAP has the highest incidence and sensitivity. Specificity is impaired in smokers. All three markers should be determined in seminomas.

Keywords:
Testicular tumors, Seminoma, Tumor marker, Multicenter trial, Human chorionic gonadotropin, Lactate dehydrogenase, Placental alkaline phosphatase
This content is only available via PDF.
1997
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.