[Sequential determination of circulating immune complexes in ovarian tumors]

We investigated sera from 39 patients with ovarian tumors with regard to the presence of circulating immune complexes, beginning at the time of diagnosis and further on through the course of disease. We were able to demonstrate circulating immune complexes by means of polyethylenglycolprecipitation. About 75% of the patients in the stages FIGO-ov I and FIGO-ov II showed increased values at the time of diagnosis. Following radical surgery they decreased to almost normal so during the time of remission. A relapse was proceeded by an increase up to 8 weeks before being detectable by clinical investigation. The stages FIGO-ov III and IV did not show a comparable correlation, however. Cases with benign cystic ovarian tumors did not show increased values. The precipitation by polyethylenglycol has been revealed to being a suitable screening method for early diagnosis of relapses.