[The oral administration of N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-paraaminobenzoic acid (PFT) in the assessment of exocrine pancreatic function and its value within the diagnostic approach to pancreatic disease (author's transl)].

Exocrine pancreatic function was determined by the oral administration of N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-PABA in 343 persons, including controls, patients with diseases of the pancreas, and patients with non-pancreatic disease. The results revealed a sensitivity of 85% in chronic pancreatitis and of 78% in carcinoma of the pancreas. The specificity of the PFT amounted to 92%. No toxic side effects were noted. The PFT is likely to be a useful screening procedure for pancreatic disease.