[Tumor markers in C-cell cancer].

C-cell carcinoma (medullary thyroid carcinoma) is associated with increased serum calcitonin levels. In addition, increased serum levels of other tumour markers are also found: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA). The relevance of these tumour markers as compared to calcitonin was evaluated in 46 patients with C-cell carcinoma. With decreasing frequency pathologically increased levels were found: calcitonin 93%, CEA 73%, TPA 17% and ACTH 8%. There was a positive correlation between calcitonin and CEA values. Calcitonin and CEA levels correlated with the clinical tumour stage. In selective venous catheterisation estimation of calcitonin is superior to estimation of CEA. Assessment of CEA supplements calcitonin measurements in follow-up controls and evaluation of success of treatment. As regards specificity and sensitivity calcitonin is superior to all other tested tumour markers in C-cell carcinoma.