Circulating IgG-specific immune complexes as a potential tumor marker in gynecological malignancies

A longitudinal study of circulating immune complexes (CIC) of the IgG class has been undertaken in patients presenting for operation of active malignant disease of the female reproductive tract. These values were compared with data obtained during subsequent clinical remission and prior to the clinical diagnosis of relapse. The results showed that irrespective of the site of disease (e.g., ovary, fallopian tube, cervix, endometrium, or vagina) values for CIC were elevated in most patients compared to controls. Postoperative remission status was associated with a significant decrease in values for all tumor sites. Similarly, relapse was associated with elevation of CIC levels to values similar to the preoperative concentrations. It is concluded that CIC may provide a useful biochemical marker of the progression of malignant disease.