[Ectopic hormone production of beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin by cells of signet ring cell carcinoma of the stomach].

ABSTRACT

The ectopic hormone production by tumor cells that have a light optical structure of typical non-endocrine cancers has long attracted the attention of investigation all over the world. Specifically, this concerns the phenomenon of the ectopic production of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) by non-germinogenic tumors, which is, according to R.K. Iles's data, encountered in 20-40% of malignant epithelial tumors. Despite the fact that beta-hCG synthesis is traditionally regarded as the prerogative of germinogenic tumors, the world's literature contains strong evidence for latent beta-hCG gene expression and many cases of clinically evident manifestation of the effects of chorionic gonadotropin. The latter fact, if a clinician and a pathologist are unaware of the behavior of a tumor, may give rise to a diagnostic error and incorrect treatment policy.