Telomerase activity in complete hydatidiform mole

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether telomerase is activated in complete hydat idiform mole and whether it could predict the development of persistent ges tational trophoblastic tumors (GTTs). STUDY DESIGN: For this prospective study, 21 patients with complete hydatid iform mole were recruited. Molar tissue was obtained for telomerase activit y measurement using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay. Pati ents' clinical characteristics, telomerase activity and subsequent clinical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Telomerase activity was detected in 12 cases (57.1%) with varied i ntensity. T coo of four patients who had telomerase activity, uterine size larger than expected and preevacuation serum beta-human chorionic gonadotro pin (beta-hCG) levels > 10(6) mIU/mL developed persistent GTT. CONCLUSION: Telomerase activity is detectable in some complete hydatidiform moles and might be useful for predicting persistent GTT when combined with uterine size and preevacuation serum beta-hCG level.