AN ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN-PRODUCING HUMAN GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA CELL-LINE (KMG-C) SHOWS MORE AGGRESSIVE BIOLOGIC BEHAVIOR THAN AN ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN-NON-PRODUCING CELL-LINE

We have established a new human alphafetoprotein (AFP)-producing gallb ladder carcinoma (GBC) cell line, termed KMG-C, from a 67-year-old Jap anese male. KMG-C and its reconstituted tumors in nude mice showed the morphological features of an adenocarcinoma. Functionally, KMG-C secr eted AFP, carcinoembryonic antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, as well as 7 serum proteins, including albumin and C-reactive protein. KM G-C showed more malignant biological behavior than an AFP-nonproducing GBC cell line, KMG-A, established originally from the tumor of the sa me patient; KMG-C had a shorter doubling time, higher tumorigenicity, and an aneuploid DNA index. Our results suggest that AFP-producing GBC cells may have more malignant biological characteristics than AFP-non -producing GBC cells in GBCs having both of these components.