Tumour-associated antigens in lung cancer: the possibility for a serologic assay

Methods were developed to obtain a purified tumour-associated antigen from squamous cell bronchogenic carcinoma of humans. From the preparation a highly specific antitumour antiserum was produced in rabbits. The antiserum was applied to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that subsequently was used as a serologic test for lung cancer. Serum obtained preoperatively from patients with stage I lung cancer was found to be inhibitory in the assay system when compared with serum from healthy individuals.