Serum protein, enzyme and immunoglobulin responses following perineal cryosurgery for carcinoma of the prostate.

Alterations in serum proteins, enzymes and immunoglobulins were analyzed sequentially in 40 patients undergoing perineal cryosurgery for carcinoma of the prostate. A search was made for evidence of a tumor marker and for augmented host response attributable to an immune mechanism. The data showed little evidence to support a systemic immune response. A reliable tumor marker could not be identified when cryosurgery was used alone.