CYSTEINE PROTEINASE-INHIBITORS IN SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK TUMORS

The activity of cysteine proteinase inhibitors was investigated in the serum samples received from patients with head and neck tumors. Contr ol groups involved patients with inflammatory diseases and healthy sub jects. Active, total and complex forms of cysteine proteinase inhibito rs were investigated. Our results revealed a striking difference betwe en levels of determined parameters in patients with head and neck tumo rs and in the control groups. We suggest that the determination of cys teine proteinase inhibitors in serum may become useful in the diagnosi s of head and neck tumors.