The Role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Beta (hCGβ) in HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study was carried out to observe the upregulation of the free β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) and its prognostic significance in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 90 patients with OPSCC treated with curative intent at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland, during 2012-2016 were included. Serum samples were collected prospectively, and their hCGβ concentrations (S-hCGβ) were determined by an immunofluorometric assay. The expression of hCGβ in tumor tissues was defined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). HPV determination was performed by combining p16-INK4 IHC and HPV DNA PCR genotyping. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were used as survival endpoints.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>S-hCGβ positivity correlated with poor OS in the whole patient cohort (<em>p</em> < 0.001) and in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC (<em>p</em> < 0.001). A significant correlation was seen between S-hCGβ and poor DSS in the whole cohort (<em>p</em> < 0.001) and in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC (<em>p</em> = 0.007). In a multivariable analysis, S-hCGβ was associated with poor DSS. Of the clinical characteristics, higher cancer stage and grade were associated with S-hCGβ positivity. No statistically significant correlation with tissue positivity of hCGβ was seen in these analyses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>S-hCGβ may be a potential independent factor indicating poor prognosis, notably in HPV-negative OPSCC.</p>