[Experiences with an enzyme cytochemical test for tumor cells in pleural fluid and ascites (author's transl)]

Experiences with a prescreening test for tumor cells in cytological material (pleural effusions, ascites) are reported. With the aid of alkaline phosphatase positive reacting tumor cells in smears (pleural fluid, ascites) are easily detectable. This test gives a positive result in 65% of patients with different organ tumors whereas with routine cytology tumor cells were found in 72% of this patients. Among different organ tumors highest percentage of positive phosphatase tests are found by bronchial, gastric and ovarial carcinomas (3/4 of cases), to a less degree bycarcinoma of the breast and others (1/2 of cases). All together phosphatase test is positive in 90% of all effusions, containing cytologically diagnosed tumor cells. The adventages, disadventages and the usefullness of this method as a prescreening test are discussed.