The Cell Surface Antigen A, B or O(h) as an Indicator of Malignant Potential in Stage a Bladder Carcinoma: Preliminary Report

Abstract

The presence or absence of cell susurface antigens (A, B and H) on the cell surface of human bladder tumors was studied. The major blood group antigens A, B or O(H) are present on normal bladder epithelium but are not present on some low grade and low stage papillary transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. Of 5 stage A bladder tumors that have not recurred in at least 5 yr, 3 retained the cell surface antigens, while tumors that recurred locally, invaded or metastasized lost these cell surface antigens on the original stage A tumor.