Response of Serum Tumor Markers CA19-9 and bHCG to Cystectomy for Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

Tumor markers such as beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (bHCG) and Carboxyhydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) have long been associated with bladder cancer and although their expression is associated with poorer oncological outcomes, they have little role in the routine clinical management of this disease. Recent advances in engineered antibody technology have led to renewed interest in these markers as potential targets for new therapeutics. Here we report the case of a patient with locally advanced bladder cancer and the response of serum bHCG and CA19-9 to endoscopic resection and then radical cystectomy and serves to highlight how these tumor markers might be used to measure treatment effect.