[Clinical experiences with the tumor marker TPA in the maxillofacial region]

The tissue polypeptide antigen test (TPA) was carried out in 25 patients with tumours of the maxillofacial region before and after surgery. Further control determination were performed for up to 14 months. A decrease in TPA values was found in only 4 patients after surgery, but a steep rise in TPA values was found with progressive tumor growth. No conclusion can yet be drawn from these initial results as to whether this test is of importance in tumours of the maxillofacial region.