Inhibition of liver metastases from neuraminidase-treated Colon 26 cells by an anti-Thomsen-Friedenreich-specific monoclonal antibody

Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TF; Gal beta 1-3GalNAc alpha 1-) is expressed on many human carcinomas. Evidence suggests that TF-carrying tumor cells s pecifically bind asialoglycoprotein receptors on hepatocytes resulting in m etastasis formation in the liver. We used an animal model to examine the fe asibility of preventing metastasis formation by an antibody to TF. Treatmen t of Colon 26 cells with neuraminidase led to the exposure of TF, and conse quently to a higher frequency of liver metastases in syngeneic Balb/c mice. This could be prevented by an antibody to TF (A78-G/A7), but not by a cont rol antibody. The results may open up a new strategy for the prophylaxis of metastatic spread to the liver.