Monoclonal antibodies in bladder cancer cytology

Conventional urinary cytology is the only routine noninvasive test accepted for the early detection and follow-up of bladder cancer. However, accuracy is achieved only in high-grade tumors and the method requires an experienced cytopathologist. Hybridoma technology has been developed to identify molecules or antigenic epitopes associated with malignant transformation. This report discusses the various monoclonal antibodies that have been generated against transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder and can be used to detect exfoliated cancer cells in urine. Several antibodies that recognize epitopes related to Lewis X carbohydrate molecules react with TCC cells of various grades, with the detection rate ranging from 70%–90%. Further studies are required to standardize the methodology and to determine the value of immunocytology in the management of bladder cancer patients. However, this approach shows great promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and for pedicting biological aggresiveness and response to therapy.