[beta2-Microglobulin and carcino-embryonic antigen in bronchogenic carcinoma (author's transl)]

In a series of 52 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma serum levels of beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) were studied. No correlation was found between the increase of beta2m (greater than 3,2 mg/l) and CEA (greater than 40 ng/l). High levels were found in 10 % of cases for CEA and in 30% of cases for beta2m. The follow-up of serum levels of beta2m and CEA was studied during the evolution of the disease through monthly assays. Upon 15 cases followed, the same dissociation between beta2m and CEA was observed.