[Possibilities of prognosis in cancer of the transverse colon and rectum using CEA, AFP and immunoglobulins A, M and G]

Abstract

Tumor antigens (CEA and AFP) were studied by radioimmunoassay and immunoglobulins A, M and G--after Mancini in blood plasma from 144 cases of colorectal cancer. In most patients, raised levels of CEA, AFP, IgA and IgG were identified. A 5-10-fold increase in CEA and AFP levels matched by a pronounced dysimmunoglobulinemia or IgG deficit (under 10 mg/ml) were prognostically unfavorable. If said shifts persist at days 25-30 after surgery, suspicion of inadequate removal of tumor, its occult dissemination and unfavorable prognosis is justified. Similarly inauspicious are concomitant low antigenic activity in tumor and IgC deficit or a marked dysimmunoglobulinemia. Therefore, a complex assay of tumor-associated antigens (CEA and AFP) and immunoglobulins A, M and G makes a contribution to evaluation of surgery, course of tumor progression and its prognosis.