[Immunohistochemical markers in lung tumors--a status evaluation]

Immunohistochemical investigations on tumours of the lung and pleura led to an enlarged knowledge about the characterization of the tumours biology and the typical morphological feature of lung tumours. A helpful tool was the elaboration of monoclonal antibodies against different cellular proteins and proliferation markers which revealed a detailed information on proliferation tendency and immunological reaction of the tumour. The most informative parameter in adenocarcinomas was the distinguished expression of the carcino embryonic antigen (CEA). The immunohistochemical investigations are helpful for the differentiation of primary and secondary lung- and pleural tumours, but also pointed out a high heterogeneity of malignant lung tumours. Nevertheless the present tumour markers--be considered to give an indication for diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of the development of the disease--have to be correlated with clinical and biochemical data for further estimation of their value.