IDENTIFICATION OF TUMOR-MARKERS FOR CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA AND EVALUATIONOF THEIR DIAGNOSTIC POTENTIAL

Results obtained from studies using experimental animal model clearly showed that (1) A marker(s) for CCA does exist; 2) This marker is a gl ycoprotein with a molecular weight of 200 kDa; (3) It is produced and secreted in vitro by tumor cell lines; (4) It is highly immunogenic in mice and the MAb specific for this antigen is directed against the ca rbohydrate moiety; (5) This tumor antigen can be detected in serum and bile of tumor-bearing animals by a sandwich ELISA employing this MAb; (6) Kinetic studies show a gradual elevation of this antigen during t umor development; and (7) The elevation of this antigen can be detecte d at a time when no pathological changes have yet taken place, as judg ed by microscopic examination. Preliminary work from the human counter part using human cholangiocarcinoma cell line showed promising results . CCA-specific antigen could be similarly identified and the MAbs prod uced were highly specific for this 160 kDa antigen.