[Serological identification of carcinospecific antigens (and their significance as donor screening or for specific groups of diseases)].

Alpha-1-fetoprotein is an example of a circulating, measurable tumor product of diagnostic and therapeutic value. The involvement of its synthesis could be a result of a premalign cellular change in cell biochemistry. Contrary to the synthesis of trophic hormones in certain undifferentiated neoplasms, alpha-1-fetoprotein in hepatoma is specific for the organ origin of the tumor. Unlike the immunoglobulins in myeloma or the corticosteroids in adrenocortical tumors, it is a protein that normally can be synthetized in the fetus only. The purpose of the present paper is to discuss a new method for testing serum samples of blood donors being suspected of an alpha-1-protein by means of counterelectrophoresis. The diagnostic value is shown in a blood donor who could be singled out as a suspect of primary liver carcinoma only by means of serological testing.