[Changes in the beta 2-microglobulin levels of the blood serum in patients with benign and malignant neoplasms].

Radioimmunological examination of beta 2-microglobulin in the blood serum of 525 patients revealed that increased protein levels were observed in patients with malignant tumours of the pancreas, duodenal papilla, ovaries, soft tissues, lymphomas. In benign diseases (pancreatitis, ovarian cysts) the beta 2-microglobulin concentration did not significantly exceed the discrimination value. Due to the low sensitivity and specificity this protein has dubious significance as a tumour marker. It is suggested that in some cases of malignant tumours changes of the beta 2-microglobulin level may be related to hepatorenal insufficiency, spread of the disease. These data may provide supplementary information on the prognosis and evolution of the tumour process after combined treatment.