ABSTRACT
Radioimmunological examination of beta 2-microglobulin in the blood serum of 525 patients revealed that increased protein levels were observed in patients with malignant tumours of the pancreas, duodenal papilla, ovaries, soft tissues, lymphomas. In benign diseases (pancreatitis, ovarian cysts) the beta 2-microglobulin concentration did not significantly exceed the discrimination value. Due to the low sensitivity and specificity this protein has dubious significance as a tumour marker. It is suggested that in some cases of malignant tumours changes of the beta 2-microglobulin level may be related to hepatorenal insufficiency, spread of the disease. These data may provide supplementary information on the prognosis and evolution of the tumour process after combined treatment.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/blood , beta 2-Microglobulin/analysis , Adult , Child , Humans , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Prognosis , RadioimmunoassayABSTRACT
A study of the blood levels of gonadotropic and steroid hormones in 321 breast cancer patients has shown that the basal levels of gonadotropin concentration in them exceed the control values (p less than 0.05); those of the follicle-stimulating hormone--in 54.1% of patients at reproductive age and in menopause less than 5 years and in 33.8% of patients in menopause over 5 years; those of luteotropin--in 50 and 93.5% of patients, respectively. Low basal levels of estradiol and progesterone were found more than 70% of breast cancer patients. A significant decrease in the level of the above hormones (p less than 0.05) was noted after polychemotherapy. An increase in the levels of corticotropin (in 54.5-65.2% of patients) and cortisol (in 81.6-84.3% of patients) was noted with progression of breast cancer. Data on the above hormones can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic test.
