[Evaluation of remission in trophoblastic disease as seen from serum hCG level (author's transl)].

The clinical course of trophoblastic diseases detected through measurement of hCG levels from 1971 to 1978 were examined. 1) Twenty out of 178 cases of hydatidiform mole developed into cases of invasive mole or choriocarcinoma after D & C. There was a decrease in hCG value to the LH level in the remaining 158 cases. 2) The hCG level fell to the LH level in 59 cases of invasive mole and choriocarcinoma after treatment, with a subsequent reoccurrence of recurrence in 3 cases in which there was no additional chemotherapy. However, there were no reoccurrences in 40 cases in which chemotherapy had been added. 3) A transient lowering of hormone secretion and cell proliferation was seen in cultures of choriocarcinoma cells, but indications of the restoration of these activities were subsequently observed. 4) A cellular effect was observed in 5.6% where hCG values decrease in LH levels. Remission is determined in hydatidiform mole when the hCG value persists at the LH level, and remission in invasive mole and choriocarcinoma when no cellular effect is detected after two courses of chemotherapy following decrease of hCG value to the LH level.