[Tumor markers in the upper intestinal tract--stomach and pancreas].

Expectations of early diagnosis of carcinoma of the stomach and pancreas by using the tumour markers CEA and CA 19-9 have been disappointed. Although the sensitivity of CA 19-9 for pancreatic cancer is high, its field of application for screening is not efficient due to poor specificity of the marker. CEA and CA 19-9 are of great importance in the follow-up of pancreatic cancer. Results of tests of CEA and CA 19-9 in 100 patients with gastric cancer and 50 patients suffering from pancreatic cancer are reported.