[Relations between markers and immunological status in surgical patients. Tumor markers and immunity in surgery]

The correlation between the immunological status of surgical patients and cancer is examined. 52 patients with gastric and colonic cancer were studied. On the basis of the immunological results of skin tests these were subdivided into non-reactive and reactive. The two groups were statistically compared in relation to cancer stage and blood concentrations of 4 markers: CEA, Ca 19-9, Ca-50, T.A.T.I. The first data show that anergic patients are older to a statistically significant degree; the second that there are no significant differences between the two groups as regards cancer stage. The third data show a difference between the two groups in relation to two of the four markers; anergic patients have a statistically significant higher blood concentration of CEA and T.A.T.I. This is rather interesting, since the literature offers no specific studies on the correlation between the patient's immunological status and tumour marker concentration. Therefore, in clinical practice, the high concentrations of these markers, could reveal, as well as the presence of cancer an endangered immunologic status.