The value of thyroglobulin (TGL) assay in following the post-therapeutic course of differentiated thyroid cancer.

Serum TGL was assayed in 32 patients with total thyroidectomy performed on account of differentiated thyroid cancer, and in whom postoperative serum TGL values were above 60 ng/ml. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the specific TGL response in differentiated thyroid cancer relapse and metastases, and the value of serum TGL assay as a test for early diagnosis of relapse and metastasis in this form of cancer. The results were compared to those from the following lots: 15 euthyroid volunteers, 15 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed postoperatively whose serum TGL values were under 60 ng/ml and, 14 patients with non-thyroid cancer metastases.