In: Harrison S, editor. liver where CEA levels were found out to be highly raised (80.4 ng/mL to 146.4 ng/mL). To evaluate the variance of CEA and AFP levels in different individuals having same stage of the disease, immunological monitoring for the functions of T and B cells was carried out by estimation of cytokine, i.e. interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1a), interleukin-2R (II-2R) and various immunoglobulins. IL-1a and 1L-2R levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the groups of individuals having higher CEA and AFP. This indicates an important T cell (TH1 and TH2) function in the tumour antigen production. KEYWORDS: Alpha fetoprotein, Carcinoembryonic antigen, Cytokines, Tumour antigens Intro Tumour markers are cell surface antigens, cytoplasmic proteins, enzymes and hormones, produced by a tumour or by the body in response to a tumour. These substances are released into body fluids and can become detected by sensitive analytical methods. The measurement of tumour markers should permit the detection of cancer and to determine the organ source of the tumour. The magnitude of tumour marker elevation should ideally correlate with the tumour mass and a fall in level should correspond to positive response to treatment. Therefore a tumour marker should aid in the detection of tumours, prediction of prognosis, and in monitoring therapy Lactose [1]. However this is not the case with all tumour markers. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) are widely use in medical practice to support diagnosis [2]. A number of studies have been carried out worldwide to assess the practical importance of CEA and AFP in analysis, staging, and prediction of recurrent disease in gastrointestinal (GIT) Lactose and hepatic malignancies [3]. However their level of sensitivity and specificity have ranged widely. Although originally thought to be specific for GIT malignancy elevations of CEA will also be seen in malignancies of pancreas, liver, lung and breast. The elevation is also seen in benign polyposis and in weighty smokers [4]. In a recent study, 62 individuals with colorectal malignancy and 97 with benign GIT disease instances were analyzed [5]. It was observed that CEA was probably the best current test in diagnosing colorectal malignancy. Other studies have shown that with cut-off ideals of 2.5 ng/mL the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of CEA was 63 per cent and 90 per cent respectively [6]. In detection of recurrent disease and prediction of hepatic metastasis the level of sensitivity of CEA has been found to be 58 per cent and 80 per cent respectively [7]. Variable rise in levels of AFP will also be visualized in various malignant and non-malignant conditions [8]. However, the cause of the variations in the rise of CEA and AFP is not clearly recognized. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the importance of CEA and AFP in the analysis of various GIT and main hepatic malignancies. An attempt was also made to correlate the findings of variable rise in tumour markers with the immune status of the patient by assaying T and B cell functions through evaluation of cytokines and immunoglobulins. Material and Methods Individuals A total of 75 consecutive individuals suffering from gastrointestinal and main hepatic malignancies were included in this prospective study. The diagnosis in all was subsequently confirmed by histopathological exam and guided good needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). All the individuals were managed in the Malignant Disease Treatment Centre of our institution. CEA and AFP estimation Patient’s serum samples were collected and aliquated at ?20C for long term immunological evaluations. CEA and anti-AFP estimations were carried out by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) using commercially available monoclonals [9]. Briefly, the serum samples were allowed to react with independent plates already coated with anti-CEA and AFP monoclonal antibodies. In the second reaction the treated plates were allowed to form a complex with the help STAT6 of Lactose a rabbit antibody conjugate. Finally the colour was developed with addition of enzyme-labelled substrate. The assay estimation was completed by using serial requirements and computerized laboratory data system of Anthos HT-2 ELISA reader. Interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-2R assay IL-1 alpha and Il-2R assay was also.