{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Serum β-hCG as a Biomarker in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Rethinking Single-Analyte Approach.
{Author}: Komarnicki P;Gut P;Cieślewicz M;Musiałkiewicz J;Maciejewski A;Czupińska M;Mastorakos G;Ruchała M;
{Journal}: Cancers (Basel)
{Volume}: 16
{Issue}: 11
{Year}: 2024 May 29
{Factor}: 6.575
{DOI}: 10.3390/cancers16112060
{Abstract}: Despite recent advances, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) remain a challenging topic, due to their diversity and the lack of suitable biomarkers. Multianalyte assays and the shift to an omics-based approach improve on the conventional single-analyte strategy, albeit with their own drawbacks. We explored the potential of serum β-hCG as a biomarker for NETs and discussed its role in disease monitoring. We recruited 40 patients with non-functioning pancreatic NETs, all with liver metastases. Serum β-hCG concentrations were measured at 3-month intervals over 48 months. We performed a comparative and a repeated measures analysis of β-hCG depending on WHO grade (G1, G2), liver tumor burden (LTB; below 10%, 10-25%), and RECIST 1.1. (stable disease, progressive disease). Patients with progressive disease (p < 0.001), 10-25% LTB (p < 0.001) and WHO Grade 2 (p < 0.001) displayed higher β-hCG concentrations. Throughout the study, β-hCG concentrations consistently increased across the entire cohort. Delta β-hCG during the study period was greater in patients with 10-25% LTB (p < 0.001), progressive disease (p < 0.001), and G2 (p = 0.003). Serum β-hCG correlates with established indicators of malignancy and disease progression in metastatic NETs, supporting further studies as a monitoring and prognostic biomarker. Despite promising results from novel biomarkers, there is still a place for single-analyte assays in NETs.