Serum beta 2 microglobulin levels in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Summary Serum B₂m concentrations were evaluated preoperatively in 40 patients with renal cell carcinoma and normal renal function, as assessed by serum creatinine <1.4 mg/dl, and compared with those of 23 age-matched controls. Mean value ± SD was 3,088±966 ng/ml for renal cancer patients, while controls had a value of 1,800±240 ng/ml. Statistical analysis, performed by Student t test, revealed a very high degree of significance (p<0.0005). No statistically significant differences were found between groups of patients classified according to tumor stage and cell type. Seventy percent of renal cell carcinoma cases had preoperatively elevated serum levels of B₂m.