The utility of new arginase test in detecting of pancreatic cancer was evaluated. The arginase level in blood serum of 72 patients were also compared with the concentration of Ca 19-9 and CEA antigens. Arginase activity was elevated in 60% patients, whereas the level of Ca 19-9 and CEA were increased in 64.5% and 45% patients, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of arginase test and Ca 19-9 were similar, and were much higher then those of CEA antigen. However, antigen Ca 19-9 was more discriminating as compared to arginase test, and combined assessment did not improved the results of Ca 19-9. Arginase test needs further investigations, but it seems, that this cheap and very simple procedure can be useful as an additional tool for detection of pancreatic cancer.