Common Antigenic Component in Ovarian Carcinomas: Demonstration by Double Diffusion and Immunofluorescence Techniques

Abstract

Heterologous antisera produced against pools of ovarian carcinoma tissues have reacted consistently and specifically with the tissues of origin in immunodiffusion and immunofluorescence tests. The highly absorbed sera showed no reaction with normal ovarian tissues, normal human serum components and various other neoplasms. These investigations have suggested the presence of a specific antigenic component in carcinomas of the ovary. This antigen did not cross-react with the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and was not revealed in fetal tissues. Present attempts to purify and fully characterize this antigen are aimed toward its possible use in a diagnostic test very much needed in the early detection of carcinoma of the ovary.