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Lewis system alterations in gastric carcinogenesis
J Torrado1, E Blasco, A Gutierrez-Hoyos
1Pathology Unit, Hospital Nuestra Senora de Arantzazu, San Sebastian, Spain.
Cancer
|October 15, 1990
Summary
Anomalous Lewis a antigen expression in gastric tissues is linked to cancer development. This alteration appears early in premalignant conditions, suggesting it can predict gastric cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Blood group antigens, specifically Lewis a and b, play roles in gastric tissue.
- Alterations in these antigens are observed in gastric diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Lewis a and b antigens in gastric carcinoma.
- To correlate these antigenic alterations with histologic findings and patient phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 371 gastric biopsy and 80 surgical specimens.
- Correlation of ABH and Lewis phenotypes and secretor status with histologic findings.
Main Results:
- Anomalous Lewis a antigen expression was found in 88/249 Lewis (a-b+) gastric biopsy specimens.
- The prevalence of anomalous Lewis a antigen increased with premalignant progression: 66.6% in dysplasia, 64.6% in intestinal metaplasia.
- Antigenic alterations, including anomalous Lewis a, were present in 47/49 Lewis (a-b+) gastric carcinoma patients.
Conclusions:
- Antigenic alterations, such as anomalous Lewis a expression, may precede neoplastic transformation in gastric carcinogenesis.
- Anomalous Lewis a antigen can serve as an index of lesion severity and aid in identifying high-risk individuals for gastric cancer.