[Tumor markers in the diagnosis of ascitic and pleural puncture fluids]

The identification of carcinoma cells in ascitic and pleural effusions by the detection of tumor markers was studied using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. Punctates from 56 patients with carcinomas, 18 with other malignant diseases and 10 with benign diseases were examined. In 35% of carcinomatous punctates tumor cells were stained by a CEA antiserum. No positive cells were found, however, in non-carcinomatous benign or malignant effusions. The immunocytochemical staining of CEA could detect tumor cells in 36% of carcinoma cases classified suspicious or negative using conventional cytology only. A TPA antiserum as well as the monoclonal antibody OC 125 stained cells in carcinomatous as well as in non-carcinomatous malignant and in benign punctates.