title: Lymphocyte fluorescence polarization changes after phytohemagglutinin stimulation in the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma.
abstract: A lymphocyte fluorescence polarization test that measures reactivity to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) has permitted discrimination of a majority of patients with colorectal carcinoma from noncancer individuals. The test involves separation of two lymphocyte fractions from 20 ml venous blood on a modified leukocyte separation gradient, incubation with PHA for 45 minutes, addition of fluorescein diacetate, and analysis of change in fluorescence polarization. Of 19 colorectal patients tested preoperatively, 13 had a positive stimulation index, 3 a zero index, and 3 a negative index. Of 7 patients with other malignant neoplasms, a positive value was obtained in 6 and a negative value in 1. Of 14 patients with other diseases, a negative value was obtained in 9, zero in 3, and positive in 2. Of 31 normal donors a negative value was obtained in 27, zero in 2, and weak positive in 2. This rapid test promises to develop into a useful cancer-diagnostic method, and elucidation of its biological basis should identify a new cancer marker.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002469:Cell Separation; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D005454:Fluorescence Polarization; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D010835:Phytohemagglutinins