Mechanism of Feminization in Primary Liver Cancer

Abstract

Primary liver cancer occasionally presents with feminization. The mechanism is unknown. We studied a young man with primary liver cancer associated with feminization that disappeared after removal of the tumor. Before operation, the serum estrone level was markedly (1113 pg per milliliter) and estradiol and estriol levels were slightly elevated. Human placental lactogen was also increased (0.52 μg per milliliter). Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin levels were normal, and testosterone reduced. Beta subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin were not detected in the serum. In vitro assay of tumor tissue showed estrogenic activity and high levels of these subunits. With a reversed isotope dilution technic with crystallization to constant specific activity, we showed the tumor tissue to convert dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone to estrone and estradiol. Production of beta subunits of chorionic gonadotropin and raised serum levels of placental lactogen provided further evidence that the tumor was functioning as trophoblastic tissue. (N Engl J Med 296:1084–1088, 1977)