POMC and hepatocellular carcinoma: It was reported that 8 to 68% of 44 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had increased levels of α- and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) subunits, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and growth hormone (GH).