Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) serum levels were assayed in a group of 63 primary cervical cancer patients. IAP serum levels were significantly higher in cancer patients (median, 630 micrograms/ml; range, 290-1150) than in controls (median, 290 micrograms/ml; range, 135-775) (P < 0.01). The percentage of IAP-positive (> 613 micrograms/ml) cases was 50.7%. SCC serum levels were found to be above 2.5 ng/ml in 73% of cervical cancer patients, and in 6% of controls. A statistically significant correlation was observed between IAP and SCC levels in cancer patients (r = 0.35, P < 0.004). When IAP and SCC were considered together the overall sensitivity was 87.3% and an improvement of both predictive value of negative test and accuracy without any significant reduction of predictive value of positive test was found. IAP status correlated with metastatic lymph node involvement. A statistically significant association between a shorter survival and high serum LAP levels was observed. The 24-month overall survival (OS) was 92% for IAP- cases with respect to 65% for IAP+ cases (P = 0.036). In the univariate analysis, advanced stage of disease, clinical parametrial involvement, and lymph node involvement were also associated with poor survival. In the multivariate analysis IAP status showed a statistically significant association with poor survival (P = 0.049), together with lymph node involvement (P = 0.007) and advanced stage of disease (P = 0.008).