[A study of sputum beta 2-microglobulin and carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with primary lung cancer]

Sputum beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2MG) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Sputum beta 2MG levels in patients with primary lung cancer are significantly higher than in those with benign lung disease or metastatic lung cancer. Sputum CEA levels in patients with primary lung cancer are significantly higher than those in patients with benign lung disease. These results suggest that sputum beta 2MG and CEA may be useful in the diagnosis of primary lung cancer.