[Prognostic significance of the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in the blood of patients with lung cancer].

Correlation analysis of the results of examination of 86 lung cancer patients treated by surgery and methods other than surgery established an inverse relationship between life-span and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. An analysis using reagents supplied by CEA-IRE-Sorin Company showed that a CEA level in blood in excess of 10 micrograms/l is associated with the most unfavorable prognosis. The degree and rate of CEA excretion are in direct correlation with life-span and provide the most reliable criterion in evaluating the effectiveness of lung cancer treatment.