Aims-To assess the importance of immunohistological detection of beta-
human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta hCG) in localised prostatic adenoc
arcinoma with regard to prognosis and clinical applications. Methods-E
ighty consecutive cases of clinically localised adenocarcinoma of the
prostate were studied retrospectively. Immunohistological analysis on
formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded prostate tissue from transurethr
al resections was related to clinical outcome and survival. Prognosis
was also related to tumour grade. Results-beta hCG was detected in 12
cases. Nine of these patients were found to have metastases (75%) at f
ollow up and 11 (92%) were dead within 18 months. There was no correla
tion with grade and prognosis in this group. Of the 68 beta hCG negati
ve cases, 21 had developed metastases (31%) and 25 (37%) had died with
in 18 months. In the beta hCG negative group there was an association
between histological grade and survival. Conclusion-The demonstration
of beta hCG in prostatic adenocarcinoma identifies a group of patients
with poor prognosis, irrespective of histological grade. This additio
nal information will be extremely valuable in the subsequent clinical
management of such patients.