[Serum fucosyltransferase activity in malignant diseases].

Serum Fucosyltransferase activities were measured in 41 controls and in 55 patients with neoplastic diseases. Incorporation of 14C-fucose into the endogenous acceptor of serum and after addition of desialofetuin as exogenous acceptor, was determined. About 83% of patients suffering from various malignant diseases showed pathological fucosyltransferase activities. In all patients with testicular tumours and no detectable metastases after surgery, normal enzyme levels were obtained. After successful chemotherapy, fucosyltransferase activities returned to normal.