Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) : Quick review

Follow-up protocol Post-Evacuation of Molar Pregnancy

  1. Weekly hCG measurements until hCG becomes undetectable
  2. Once hCG is undetectable, 2 further specimens should be obtained at weekly intervals
  3. Then monthly for 6 months and then
  4. Every 2 months for a further 6 months 1

Diagnosis of GTN

The diagnosis of GTN is made on the basis of elevated hCG levels supported, if possible, by histologic or radiologic evidence. The agreed criteria to diagnose GTN include:

1. At least 4 values of persistently elevated hCG plateau (days 1, 7, 14, and 21) or longer, or

2. Sequential rise of hCG for 2 weeks (days 1, 7, 14) or longer. The actual values of hCG are left to the discretion of individual physicians.

3. Lung metastases are diagnosed by chest X-ray

FIGO Anatomic Staging of GTN

Stage I – Confined to uterus

Stage II – Outside uterus but within genital tracts

Stage III – Lung metastases

Stage IV – All other metastases

WHO Prognostic Score for GTN

figo scoring gtn

Management of GTN

Low risk GTNHigh risk GTN
DefinitionWHO Score ≤6 in FIGO Stage I-IIIWHO Score >6 in FIGO Stage I-III or

FIGO Stage IV

ManagementInitiate single agent methotrexate or dactinomycin regimen

  • 5 days/2 weeks OR
  • Alternate methotrexate and leucovorin for 8 days
Evaluate for high risk metastase: brain, liver, kidney
Consider hysterectomy if fertility not desiredStabilize medical status of patient.
Monitor hematologic, renal, and hepatic indices before each cycle of chemotherapyMulti-agent therapy with EMA/CO or MAC

EMA/CO regimen:

  • Day 1: EMA
  • Day 2: EA + Leucovorin
  • Day 8: CO
  • Day 15: Start new cycle

If resistant: EMA-EP regimen

Change to alternative single agent if resistance or severe toxicity to 1st agentManagement of liver metastases: Consider selective angiographic embolization or irradiation
If resistance to alternative agent:

1.       Repeat metastatic evaluation

2.       Consider hysterectomy is no extrauterine metastases

3.       Multiagent chemotherapy (MAC or EMA/CO)

Management of brain metastases:

1.       Consider early neurosurgical intervention if isolated brain lesion.

2.       Consider stereotactic or whole brain irradiation if multiple brain lesions.

Remission: 3 consecutive weekly hCG values in the normal range.Monitor hCG weekly during therapy.
1 or 2 cycles of maintenance/consolidation therapyAtleast 3 cycles of maintenance chemotherapy after hCG values normalize.

E – Etoposide; M – Methotrexate; A – Actinomcyin D; C – Cyclophosphamide; O – Oncovin (Vincristine); P – Platinum

Surveillance during and After Therapy for GTN

1. Monitor serum quantitative hCG levels every week during chemotherapy:

a. Response: >10% decline in hCG during 1 cycle

b. Plateau: +/- 10% change in hCG during 1 cycle

c. Resistance: >10% rise in hCG during 1 cycle or plateau for 2 cycles of chemotherapy

  • Evaluate for new metastases
  • Consider alternative chemotherapy
  • Consider extirpation of drug-resistant sites of disease

2. Remission: 3 consecutive normal weekly hCG

  • Maintenance chemotherapy

3. Surveillance of remission:

  • hCG values 2 weekly X 3 months
  • hCG values monthly to complete 1 year of follow-up
  • hCG vaules every 6-12 months indefinitely; atleast 3-5 years.

Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor (PSTT)

  • Origin: Intermediate trophoblast at the site of placental attachment.
  • Serum marker: Free beta-hCG (high hCG-H in choriocarcinoma)
  • Immunohistochemical marker: human placental lactogen (hPL)
  • Treatment:
    • Non-metastatic: Hysterectomy
    • Metastatic: Chemotherapy EMA-EP regimen (Alternative: TE/TP regimen where T stands for Taxol)

Pregnancy after Chemotherapy

It is recommended to delay pregnancy until 12 months (1 year) after completion of chemotherapy for 2 main reasons:

  1. Minimize any possible damaging effects on developing oocytes.
  2. Minimize the confusion over disease relapse from the hCG produced during pregnancy.


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