DIFFUSION OF BETA HCG (HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN) TUMOR MARKER FOR MEN

Abstract

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), particularly its beta subunit (β-hCG), remains a critical tumor marker in male oncology, primarily focusing on testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). This study aims to analyze the diffusion and clinical relevance of β-hCG, integrating updated knowledge on its physiology, mechanisms of ectopic production, and its applications in oncological management, according to the latest guidelines. In healthy men, serum β-hCG levels are undetectable or extremely low, which gives its elevation high specificity for the presence of malignancy. Contemporary clinical guidelines, such as those from the European Association of Urology (EAU), confirm the essential role of β-hCG in differential diagnosis, staging, risk stratification, and monitoring of therapeutic response and relapse. Recent research has deepened the understanding of β-hCG isoforms, such as hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H), and their correlation with tumor aggressiveness and unfavorable prognosis. Challenges persist, such as the occurrence of false positives and the need for laboratory standardization for different isoforms, but the utility of β-hCG is undeniable. The integration of new biomarkers, such as microRNAs, with β-hCG represents the frontier for optimizing personalized testicular cancer management.