[Detection of alpha-fetoprotein in the blood serum postoperatively in cancer patients]

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in a concentration of 10 ng/ml was identified by an immunoenzyme procedure in cancer patients 3-10 days after surgery. Elevated concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein were observed postoperatively in all cases of gastro-intestinal tumor and in 56.7% of patients with lung tumors. However, the antigen failed to exceed the said level in either of 38 patients operated for breast tumor.