[Immunogenicity of cancer-associated and cancer-specific antigens]

The immunogenicity and anti-tumor activity of tumor-specific and tumor-associated antigens (TSA and TAA) isolated from the Ehrlich ascites cancer (EAC) cell plasma membrane is assayed, and compared with the action of several crude antigenic preparations. Control animals die 26 days after the EAC cells inoculation. Crude antigenic preparations produce a delay of EAC development, but all the animals finally die. The purified TSA and TAA are active at very small amounts, and inhibit completely and permanently the tumor development. The procedure shows a new approach to cancer specific active immunotherapy.