Value of BCA-225 in the cytologic diagnosis of malignant effusions: an immunocytochemical study of 197 cases.
An immunocytochemical study of routinely prepared paraffin embedded cell block material from 72 effusions containing adenocarcinoma and 125 benign effusions was performed using a commercially available monoclonal antibody to the breast carcinoma associated glycoprotein BCA-225. Positive staining was observed in cells in 77.8% of the malignant effusions but not in any of the benign effusions. We conclude that BCA-225 is a highly specific and very useful discriminator in the differential diagnosis of adenocarcinoma and reactive mesothelial cells. However, because this marker is not expressed in all adenocarcinomas, studies with a panel of antibodies will provide better sensitivity.
Loy
T S
TS
Dept. of Pathology, University of Missouri Medical School, Columbia.
Diaz-Arias
A A
AA
Bickel
J T
JT
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000473:pathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; C060363:BCA 225 protein, human; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006023:Glycoproteins