[Estimation of serum beta 2 microglobulin in carcinoma of the bladder (author's transl)].

beta 2 Microglobulin is a low molecular weight protein synthesised by lymphocytes and neoplastic cells. The authors measured levels of this substance in the plasma of 40 patients with carcinoma of the bladder and normal renal function. 26 subjects were used as controls. Plasma levels were markedly higher in the bladder carcinoma sufferers than in the normal controls. Levels were also higher in invasive carcinomas than in superficial lesions. beta 2 microglobulin may therefore not be considered to be a specific indicator of carcinoma of the bladder but rather as a factor offering the possibility of measurement of the secretory activity of tumour cells.