[Levels of ferritin in serum of patients with lung cancer].

Serum ferritin levels using the radiometric method were determined in 161 lung cancer patients and in 50 patients with non-malignant pulmonary disorders. Elevated serum ferritin levels were seen more often in lung cancer patients (82%) than in those with the non-malignant disorders (52%). The levels of ferritin were also affected by the extension of the disease. In patients with stage III and IV serum ferritin levels were more pronounced (median 577 ng/ml) in comparison with stage I and II (300 ng/ml). Determination of serum ferritin levels may help in evaluating disease progression and staging, but can not be used as a screening test due to a low specificity.