Possible tumour markers in patients with oesophagus cancer.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha-foetoprotein (AFP), and enzymes were determined in the blood of 59 patients with primary oesophagus carcinoma. Raised CEA values were encountered in 59% of the patients, and AFP above that of an age-matched control group in 33% of the patients. Values of CEA during progression were significantly higher than in regression of disease. Two patients had exceptionally high serum AFP, but in most cases AFP levels were not related to disease progress. CEA and AFP could appear in a discordant fashion. The combined assay did not improve diagnostic sensitivity.