Biomarkers of Germ Cell Tumors
| Beta Human Chorionic | Placental Alkaline | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tumor Subtype | Alpha-Fetoprotein | Gonadotropin | Phosphatase |
| Germinoma | +/– b | + | |
| Teratoma | +/– a | ||
| Embryonal carcinoma | + | +/– b | |
| Choriocarcinoma | + | ||
| Endodermal sinus tumor (yolk sac carcinoma) | + |
↵aMature teratomas tend to be negative for serum and cerebrospinal fluid alpha-fetoprotein.
↵bBeta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels in germinomas and embryonal carcinomas are inconsistent but are usually more detectable in cerebrospinal fluid. High βhCG levels in germinomas have been associated with worse prognosis.