[The pituitary-adrenal system in cancer of the esophagus and stomach]

Excretion of corticosteroids, levels of 11-OCS in blood plasma, tests with dexasone and clinical evaluation of the pituitary-adrenal system function were studied in 354 patients with carcinomas of the esophagus and proximal stomach division. Some degree of hypocorticism with a decrease in the 11-OCS level in blood plasma and lowered excretion of corticosteroids in the urine were found in 71% of patients. These variations are accompanied by lowered hypothalamus sensitivity to dexasone. Similar disturbances though less pronounced are determined in the precancerous states and in the remote periods after operation.