Immunodiagnosis of colorectal cancer: clinical evaluation of Tennessee antigen (Tenagen).

Blood samples from 172 consecutive patients undergoing complete colon investigations to exclude colorectal cancer (CC) were examined for levels of Tennessee antigen, i.e., Tenagen (Tg), and carcinoembryonic antigen. Patients included 48 with CC, 34 with adenomatous polyps, 14 with colitis, and 76 with no organic mucosal disease. All patients were investigated by the one clinical and histopathology department. Laboratory estimations were performed blindly. Although there were some statistically significant differences among average values, the degree of overlap among the groups of patients precludes the practical application of Tg in the diagnosis of CC.