Dynamics of oncomarkers duringthe oncological treatment of testicular germinal cell tumours

Czech version

Authors: Z. Donátová ¹; J. Abrahámová ¹; I. Malbohan ²; M. Foldyna ¹; J. Nepomucká ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Onkologické oddělení, Fakultní Thomayerova nemocnice, Praha Přednosta: prof. MUDr. Jitka Abrahámová, DrSc. ; Ústav klinické biochemie a laboratorní diagnostiky, Všeobecná Fakultní nemocnice, Praha Přednosta: prof. MUDr. Tomáš Zima, DrSc., MBA. ²
Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2008; 88(1): 50-53
Category: Case Report

Overview

Testicular germ cell tumours (GCT) are highly curable though require proper management at all stages. GCTs are classified in two major subgroups: seminoma and non-seminoma. Serum concentrations of tumour markers – AFP, LDH and beta-HCG – are an integral part of the TNM classification system as the S category. Independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival for patients with GCT include pre-treatment levels of LDH, HCG and AFP, site of primary tumour (i.e. mediastinal vs. testis or retroperitoneal) and the presence of non-pulmonary visceral metastases (such as bone, brain or liver metastases). We describe representative dynamics of tumour marker levels in 4 patients with advanced GCT. Careful periodic check-ups are required following radiotherapy (for clinical stage I, IIA and IIB seminoma) and after chemotherapy (III stage seminoma, non-seminoma tumours) – which consist of chest X–ray, abdominal CT scan, PET scan, determination of serum concentration of AFP, HCG, LDH and a physical examination. An abnormal marker serum concentration may indicate late relapse.

Key words:
germ cell tumour, seminoma, non-seminoma, tumour marker, TNM classification.

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