Which tumor marker is used to assess stage, prognosis, and treatment response in choriocarcinoma and testicular cancer?

The tumor marker used to assess stage, prognosis, and treatment response in choriocarcinoma and testicular cancer is Beta-hCG. This glycoprotein hormone, which stands for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, is produced by the placenta during pregnancy, but it can also be elevated in certain types of cancer, particularly germ cell tumors such as testicular cancer and gestational trophoblastic diseases, including choriocarcinoma.

In the context of choriocarcinoma and testicular cancer, measuring Beta-hCG levels is crucial for several reasons. It serves as a biomarker to monitor disease progression and treatment response, as elevated levels can indicate active disease or recurrence. Additionally, the levels of Beta-hCG can provide prognostic information, helping to determine the potential outcomes for patients based on the extent of disease.

Other tumor markers, such as LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), can also play a role in assessing overall tumor burden and prognosis in germ cell tumors, but they do not specifically assess treatment response in the same direct way as Beta-hCG. The marker HER2/neu is primarily associated with breast cancer and is not relevant in the context of choriocarcinoma and testicular cancer