Tumor markers in human renal cell carcinoma

Localization of tumor markers in human renal cell carcinomas (RCC) was studied by an immunohistochemical method using 12 different monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing carbohydrate antigens, and 2 polyclonal antibodies against S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), respectively. 115D8, DF3 and the MAb to epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) reacted with 9 of 13 (115D8), 6 of 13 (DF3) and 5 of 12 (MAb to EMA) cases of RCC, respectively. S-100 protein was also found in 10 of 13 cases of RCC. Further immunohistochemical studies showed that tumor cells of all 13 RCCs were strongly positive for NSE. Serum NSE levels of patients with RCC were examined by radioimmunoassay. This examination revealed that increased levels of NSE were detected in 11 of 17 sera of patients with RCC. Positive rates for patients in stages II, III and IV were 100% (10/10). On the other hand, increased levels of CA15-3 were detected in only 2 of 17 sera by enzyme immunoassay. Our results indicate that NSE may be a useful marker for human RCC, especially for those tumors that have broken through the renal capsule.