Expression of normal and tumor-associated antigens in human breast carcinoma

The expression of six cytoplasmic/membrane antigens (beta 2-microglobulin, HLA, HLA-DR, carcinoembryonic antigen, and two breast tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), B6.2 and B72.3) was investigated in serial sections of 28 human breast carcinomas using monoclonal antibodies and the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase technique. The frequency of expression and linkage between these antigens was determined, and antigenic expression was related to patient age, morphologic differentiation, cytologic grade, and estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor content of the tumor. The expression of beta 2-microglobulin and HLA correlated with morphologic differentiation, well-differentiated and moderately well-differentiated tumors expressing these antigens more often than poorly differentiated tumors. Expression of the TAAs, however, was not related to differentiation. There was no linkage between beta 2-microglobulin/HLA and the TAAs. Carcinoembryonic antigen was found to be linked to the TAA, B6.2. Expression of the TAA, B72.3, correlated with patient age. Eighty percent (23 of 28) of the tumors were positive for carcinoembryonic antigen or at least one of the TAAs. The estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor status of the tumor was not statistically related to the expression of any of the antigens studied. Analysis of tumor antigen profiles may provide important information relevant to prognosis, therapy, and early detection of cancer, as well as insights into the nature of the neoplastic process.