[Serum concentration of some tumor markers in renal failure]

This study was undertaken to define the relationship between renal function and the blood level of some tumor markers. In order to evaluate the specificity of tumor markers in cronic renal failure the following alphaFP, CEA, NSE, SCC and beta2 microglobulin were studied in 40 adult patients, with cronic renal failure of different degrees (27 p.), in hemodialyzed patients (6 p.) and in 7 healthy volunteers who did not present any clinical symptoms or signs of neoplasia. The decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was accompanied by an increase in serum levels of CEA, SCC and beta2 microglobulin. The serum level of CEA, SCC increased gradually when GFR fell below 75 ml/min. The serum level of beta2 microglobulin increased when GFR fall below 30 ml/min. Serum level of CEA, SCC and beta2 microglobulin was found to be increased in hemodialyzed patients. In conclusion in cronic renal failure and in hemodialyzed patients some tumor markers (CEA, SCC and beta2 microglobulin) show a high false positive rate and may be unreliable for monitoring malignancies in uremic patients, while alphaFP and NSE appear to maintain their specificity.