[Carcinoembryonic antigen in the evaluation of the efficacy of the surgical treatment of stomach cancer and prognosis of the disease].

Blood plasma levels of carcino-embryonic antigen in 128 patients and 50 healthy subjects were measured radioimmunologically. A significant increase was not registered until stage III of the disease. Peak level of carcino-embryonic antigen level was at stage IV. The concentration dropped rapidly after a complication-free radical surgery. A dynamic follow-up established an increase in the level of the antigen in cases of recurrences and metastases. The concentration rose, on the average, 3.5 months prior to development of the first clinical symptoms.