Immunocytochemical detection of tumours of neuroectodermal origin

Immunocytochemical methods were applied to bone marrow aspirate and cerebrospinal fluid specimens to show cellular reactivity with the monoclonal antibody UJ13A, which recognises an antigen expressed by cells of neuroectodermal origin. The antigen remained stable after air drying and appropriate fixation. In five patients with various neuroectodermal tumours the diagnostic advantages of these techniques were clear; they can be performed even when only very small amounts of diagnostic material are available.