Tumor and serum CEA content in gynecologic neoplasms

The relationship of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels to tumor tissue CEA content, and tumor weight in patients with different genital tract neoplasms was studied. Two-step extraction of tumor tissues was performed using perchloric acid and 3 M KCl. Sera and tissue extracts were assayed for CEA content by double-antibody radioimmunoassay. No clear correlation was found between serum CEA and tumor CEA contents, tumor weight, and histological structure. Our results showed, however, that high CEA concentrations in tumor tissue (10 micrograms/g or higher) were accompanied by elevated values in plasma.