Immunodiagnosis of human malignancy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Malignant cells express distinct fetal and altered genome antigens compared to normal cells.
• Chemical agents and viruses can transform normal cells into malignant cells, altering surface antigen expression.
• These altered antigens can serve as crucial tumor-associated or tumor-specific markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of cell membrane antigens in distinguishing normal from malignant cells.
• To discuss the application of immunologic techniques and monoclonal antibodies in cancer diagnostics.
• To explore the potential of these markers for early disease detection and tumor localization.

Main Methods:

• Immunologic techniques for defining normal cell membrane antigens.
• Generation and application of monoclonal antibodies for antigen detection.
• Development of sensitive immunoassays (radioimmunoassays, enzyme immunosorbent assays) for detecting antigens in body fluids.
• Utilizing monoclonal antibodies for various diagnostic staining techniques (radioautography, immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase).

Main Results:

• Immunologic techniques successfully differentiate normal from malignant cells based on antigen expression.
• Monoclonal antibodies provide high specificity and affinity for detecting tumor-associated antigens.
• Sensitive immunoassays enable serodiagnostic evaluation and early detection of recurrent disease.
• In vivo tumor localization is achieved using isotopically labeled monoclonal antibodies for radionuclide scintigraphy.

Conclusions:

• Advanced immunodiagnostic techniques utilizing monoclonal antibodies offer enhanced specificity and accuracy in cancer diagnosis.
• These methods facilitate early detection of disease recurrence and precise localization of tumor deposits.
• The identified tumor markers and diagnostic tools hold significant potential for therapeutic applications.