[An expression of an SCC antigen in oral cancer]

An expression of a squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen (SCC antigen) in the blood and cancer tissue has been examined in oral cancer patients by radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemistry respectively. The antigen levels in the serum proved to be high in the cases in an advanced stage and/or showing a poorly differentiated type while, immunocytochemically, carcinomas of a well differentiated type stained well with a monoclonal anti-SCC antibody. This suggests that, as there is discrepancy between the levels of serum and tissue, an expression of the antigen seems to depend on the biological characteristics of cancer cells themselves.