Identification of an antigen associated with malignant melanoma

Xeno-antisera, prepared by immunization with soluble membrane material obtained from melanoma tumours and partially purified by column chromatography, were found to detect an antigenic specificity common to some tumour extracts and sera of melanoma patients. The presence of this antigen in patients' sera allows speculation for its possible use for early diagnosis of metastases and its role in the blocking of the immunological defences of the melanoma patients. Preparation of monospecific antisera by immunization with insoluble serum-antigen/antibody complexes has been successfully undertaken.