Immunoglobulins (Igs), bombesin-like immunoreactivity (BLI), beta-2 microglobulin (beta-2m) and transferrin were measured by radioimmunoassay in the first voided urine of patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma. Compared to 16 age-matched, healthy subjects, urinary Igs were elevated in 19 (48%), BLI in 12 (30%), beta-2m in 29 (74%) and transferrin in 8 (20%) of 40 adenocarcinoma patients. Elevation in urinary Igs, BLI or beta-2m was associated with a significantly shorter survival. The four urine markers correlated well with serum chromogranin A but not with serum prostate-specific antigen. Results suggest that these urine markers are elevated with high frequency in advanced prostate cancer.