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Association of Antigen Expression and DNA Ploidy in Human Colorectal Tumors¹

Cancer Research Campaign Laboratories, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom [L. G. D., A. B., R. A. R., R. W. B.], and Department of Surgery, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom [N. C. A., J. D. H.]

Fifty colorectal tumors were screened by indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry for antigen expression using a panel of monoclonal antibodies that recognize determinants preferentially expressed on tumor cells (carcinoembryonic antigen, Y haptenic blood group, 791T/36 defined antigen 791T-P72). Fifty % of the tumors expressed all three antigens, 41%, two, and 9%, one. Over a third reacted strongly with at least one monoclonal antibody, although the majority of tumors stained with a moderate intensity. Extranuclear membranes from tumors showed similar antigen expression to disaggregated tumor cells and were particularly useful for providing the relative tumor:normal tissue binding ratios. The carcinoembryonic antigen specific monoclonal antibody showed the strongest tumor selectivity with a tumor:normal tissue ratio of 24 ± 7:1. Lack of correlation between expression of the three antigens suggested that the monoclonal antibodies recognizing them may have potential as a "cocktail."

One-third of the tumors contained cells with an aneuploid DNA content and expressed elevated levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and Y haptenic blood group antigen when compared to tumors with diploid DNA content. Aneuploid cells within a tumor were also preferentially stained with all of the monoclonal antibodies.

¹ This investigation was supported by a grant from the Cancer Research Campaign, London, United Kingdom.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

³ Present address: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne Tumor Biology Branch, Post Office Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia.

Received 4/15/85. Revised 11/14/85. Revised 3/31/86. Accepted 4/ 3/86.

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