A and B Antigens of Tumors Arising From Urinary Epithelium

Abstract

Cells from tumors arising out of the urinary epithelium in subjects of blood groups A, B, and AB were analyzed by the mixed-cell agglutination technique for the presence of relevant antigens. Complete or partial loss of antigen was frequently observed. Correlation with other properties of the tumors revealed increased frequency of antigen loss particularly among the more pleomorphic, anaplastic, infiltrating, and rapidly fatal tumors, but exceptions were numerous. There appeared to be no connection between the age of the patient and loss of antigen. These findings are discussed in the light of theories relating antigens to somatic mutation, ploidy, and tissue structure.