PATTERNS OF CEA-RELATED ANTIGEN EXPRESSION IN INVASIVE SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA OF THE CERVIX

The recognition of an adhesive role for the CEA-related antigens empha sizes the need for clear demonstration of the changes in CEA expressio n and subcellular localization between normal and neoplastic tissues. Using a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, membranous and cytoplasmic CEA expression was seen in 50 invasive cervical squamous c arcinomas in four distinct patterns dependent on tumour type and diffe rentiation. Membranous CEA expression is a marker of differentiation i n squamous carcinomas and may influence tumour behaviour and hence pat ient survival. Strong CEA positivity was seen on the endothelium of ve ssels containing tumour in ten cases where vascular metastases were pr ominent. Staining of these ten cases revealed concomitant sialated Lew is X positivity in tumour cells with weak endothelial positivity in th ree cases; cervical squamous tumour cells may localize to vascular end othelium, and hence disseminate, through specific binding of CEA and/o r sialated Lewis X.