ANALYSIS OF ANTIBODY-BASED DUAL PARAMETER FLOW-CYTOMETRY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF UROTHELIAL TUMORS

Severe urinary tract infection and low cell numbers compromise immunoc ytology in the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma. The aim of th is study was to overcome these problems by dual parameter immuno-flow cytometry. The cross reactivity with leukocytes of those monoclonal an tibodies used up to now for immunocytology required a preselection of the urothelial cells. Discrimination between normal and malignant urot helial cells was made by a second monoclonal antibody. An extensive ex amination of variety of candidate antibodies (Due AUT 2, Anticytokerat in pan, and CD11b) suggested that monoclonal antibody Due AUT 2 was su perior to other antibodies in selecting urothelial cells. Investigatio n of the antibodies Due AUT 2 and Due ABC 3 in 8 barbotage specimens d emonstrated that dual parameter flow cytometric analysis was possible even in the presence of heavy contaminations with white blood cells. D ual parameter immuno-flow cytometry is currently being investigated in a prospective clinical trial.