Statistical Analysis of β2-Microglobulin Levels in Sera of Lung and GI Tract Cancer Patients

Abstract

Two radioimmunoassay methods were used to determine levels of beta 2-microglobulin in sera of lung and GI tract tumor patients (benign and malignant), as well as of normal individuals. Two screening sera panels were provided by the National Cancer Institute for this purpose. Statistical analysis of the results (performed by an independent institution) of the two panels provided discrepant results. This study points to the need of careful evaluation of results obtained by screening for any potential tumor marker.