[Carcino-embryonic antigen and beta 2 microglobulin in malignant bone diseases. 61 cases (author's transl)].

Radioimmunological assays of carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) and beta 2 microglobulin were carried out in 61 cases of malignant bone disease, including myeloma and metastases from carcinomas of the breast and prostate. CEA assays seemed to be of greater interest in mammary cancer metastases and beta 2 microglobulin assays in prostatic cancer metastases and myeloma. The correlation which appeared between CEA levels of the outcome of breast cancer metastases was of assistance in adjusting treatment. Combining CEA and beta 2 microglobulin assays would enhance their usefulness in current practice.