Serum CEA levels, serum IAP levels and PPD skin reaction were investigated simultaneously in 27 oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) patients in our clinic during the period from 1982 to 1985. The following results were obtained:
1) Serum CEA and serum IAP levels increased gradually in accordance with the progress of the oral cancer. On the other hand, PPD skin reaction decreased gradually in accordance with the progress of oral cancer.
2) There was some positive correlation between serum CEA and serum IAP levels. Some negative correlation was also found between serum CEA and PPD skin reaction. Furthermore, there was definite negative correlation between serum IAP and PPD skin reaction. In this respect, the serum level of CEA and IAP, and PPD skin reaction seemed to correlate with the clinical course of oral cancer.
3) In these investigations, it was suggested that simultaneous examination of serum CEA, serum IAP and PPD skin reaction are clinically useful in evaluating the progress of oral cancer and the immune competence of oral cancer patients.
