Serum Hormone Levels in Patients with Malignant Testicular Germ Cell Tumours without Clinical and/or Radiological Sings of Tumour

Abstract

In patients treated for malignant testicular tumors without clinical and/or radiological signs of tumor, the following serum hormone levels were found. In 15% of the patients there was a slight to moderate rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels (up to 6 mg/l) due to increased pituitary gonadotrophin production; this was particularly evident soon after radiotherapy/chemotherapy. In 50% of the patients there was a slight to marked increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (up to 11 .mu.g/l), especially after radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Serum testosterone levels were in the low range (up to 20 nmol/l) in the majority of the hemicastrated patients regardless of previous treatment. A slight to moderate rise in serum estradiol-17.beta. and serum prolactin levels was noted. During combination chemotherapy with vincristine, adriamycin D, cyclophosphamide, actinomycin D and medroxyprogesterone acetate the serum testosterone levels were extremely low (below 6 nmol/l) with LH and FSH levels within the normal range. The decrease in testosterone levels was reversible after completion of the combination chemotherapy.