EXPRESSION OF TUMOR-ASSOCIATED ANTIGENS 12H12, 2E11, 7A9, CEA AND DF3IN HUMAN BREAST-CANCER

Expression of tumour associated antigens 12H12, 2E11, 7A9, CEA and DF3 was determined immunohistochemically in paraffin embedded biopsy spec imens from 42 breast carcinomas. The mean (SD) of staining index (I) f or 12H12 was 0.95(0.94), for 2E11 1.30(0.99), for FA9 1.11(0.92), for CEA 0.03(0.1) and for DF3 1.32(0.93). Of the 42 carcinomas, 3 (7.1%) w ere totally negative for 12H12 3/42 (7.1%) for 2E11, 6/42 (14.3%) for 7A9, 34/42 (81%) for CEA and 6/45 (13.3%) for DF3. The 12H12 positivit y was related significantly to axillary lymph node status (r = 0.41, p <O.O1), expression of 7A9 (r = 0.71, p<0.001), expression of 2E11 (r=0 .76, p<0.001), expression of DF3 (1 =0.40, p<0.01) and TPA serum level (r =0.41, p<0.01). The 2E11 positivity was related to axillary lymph node status (r=0.43, p<0.01), expression of 7A9 (r=0.95, p<0.001) and 12H12 (r=0.76, p<0.001). The 7A9 positivity was related to axillary ly mph node status (r = 0.44, p<0.01), expression of 7A9 (r= 0.71, p<0.00 1), 12H12(r = 0.71, p<0.001) and 2E11 (r=0.95, p<0.001). The DF3 posit ivity was significantly related to expression of 12N12 (r=0.40, p<0.01 ). The CEA positivity was not significantly related to any of the rest ed variables. The results suggest that antigens 12H12, 2E11 and 7A9 sh ould be subject to further analysis in breast cancel research. Particu larly, they may be hepful in separating benign breast lesions from the more malignant ones. Secondly, the relationship between high expressi on of the antigens and axillary lymph node status suggests that these antigens may have also prognostic value.