[Results of repeated IgE titre determinations for the early diagnosis of tumour recurrence in the otolaryngological area (author's transl)].

Repeated serum IgE determinations in 292 tumour patients, in parallel with clinical check-ups, show the great diagnostic significance of the serum IgE level. The IgE titre variations give an insight into the tumour-host relationship and, in particular, into the current state of activity of the tumour patients who were found to be tumour-free after specific therapy have constant serum IgE values on repeated examination. The serum IgE level declines significantly during radiotherapy and after operative therapy. Tumour recurrence or metastases cause a sharp increase in the serum IgE level already before clinical manifestations can be ascertained. Hence, this method contributes through continued immunological checks towards an early diagnosis of tumour activity.