A Rapid Serological Detection Method for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective: We conjugated the squamous cell carcinoma (CA)-associated antibody (anti-YM antibody) with gelatin particles. We found that these particles reacted specifically with the tumor-associated antigen (YM antigen) in serum samples from patients with squamous cell CA of the uterine cervix and various organs (GPA reaction). Methods: 1) We performed immunohistochemical studies of the YM antigen in dysplasia and invasive squamous cell CA of the uterine cervix; 2) We measured the GPA reaction in various malignant and non-malignant gynecologic diseases. Results: 1) Immunohistochemical localization of the YM antigen was over 75% in cases of dysplasia and invasive squamous cell CA of the uterine cervix, and was 21% in normal squamous epithelium of the uterine cervix. 2) The GPA reaction in gynecologic diseases was positive in 57.1% of the dysplasia cases; in CIS cases, 69.2%; in cervical CA, 83.0%; in corpus CA, 25.0%; in leiomyoma 16.7%; and in pregnant serum samples, 66.7%. 3) GPA reactions in non-ob-gyn cases were positive in 68.8% of the cases of squamous cell CA of the head and neck; 66.7% in cases of squamous cell CA of the lung; and 25.0% in adenoCA of the lungs whereas the sera of patients with benign tumors and of healthy persons were free of the YM antigen. Conclusion: We concluded that this newly developed GPA-reaction measurement is a simple and reliable serologic test for detecting the initial stage of squamous cell CA of various organs and for monitoring its postoperative status.