Serological analysis of tumor antigens in malignant glioma patients

Sera from 27 malignant glioma patients were tested for antibodies to surface antigens of cultured human glioma cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Average antibody titer for glioma cell lines was 0.558 +/- 0.123, which was significantly higher than in the normal control group (0.165 +/- 0.082). Surprisingly, average antibody titer for autologous glioma cells was low (0.207 +/- 0.154) in these patients. The results suggest that various surface antigens in glioma cells include specific autologous antigens, antigens associated with gliomas, and common antigens present on cultured normal and malignant cells. These analyses are important in the evaluation of monoclonal antibodies and explanation of escape mechanisms.