[Advantages and limitations of combined assays of 4 serum markers in various types of malignant neoplasms].

CEA, TPA, GICA and Ferritin were assayed in 700 cancer patients (230 assays in 181 breast cancers, 75 in 57 lung cancers, 114 in 70 cervico-facial neoplasms, 131 in 95 uterovaginal tumours, 444 in 225 colorectal tumours, 106 in 72 gastric cancers). Groups were divided into stages and the results of all possible associations were assessed. Only the most significant are reported. Among combinations of 2 markers the combined assay of CEA and TPA offers the best response as diagnostic potential (expressed as percentage positivity) in all neoplasm groups as well as a good correlation with the evolution of the disease.