Red cell ABH antigens in leukaemias and lymphomas

The qualitative and quantitative determinations of A, B, and H antigens were studied in blood samples of 509 normal subjects and 114 patients. 11 of 53 (20.75%), 3 of 27 (11.11%), and 4 of 34 (11.76%) of adults with leukaemia, children with leukaemia and adults with lymphomas, respectively, show significantly lower antigenic scores than normal controls. Since all A, B and H antigens were found to be independently affected, the destruction of well-developed ABH antigens by a certain substance produced during the course of the disease was suspected.