A new indicator of human malignant tumour.
In haemagglutination tests we have found that the monoclonal antibody B5 discriminates between erythrocytes from patients with malignant cancer (total 386; greater than 80% B5 positive) and individuals with no known tumour (total 247; less than 20% B5 positive). The B5 antigen detected on intact erythrocytes is a tightly bound surface component which does not appear to be derived from the plasma. The B5 antigen is not T, Tn, Ca1, CEA or the Forsmann antigen; nor is it related to any of the major blood group antigens. Abnormal levels of surface B5 are found on erythrocytes from patients with a great diversity of tumours and this fact presents B5 as an indirect marker of malignancy. Successful eradication of tumour is associated with a switch from positive to negative B5 haemagglutination. We believe that B5 is a valuable addition to the few useful tumour markers already employed for monitoring tumour status.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000954:Antigens, Surface; C040625:B5 antigen