[Expression of the blood group antigens A and B in carcinoma of the urinary bladder].

In 21 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder expression of A and B blood group antigens was studied by means of monoclonal antibodies on using indirect immunoperoxide reaction. Expression of the investigated antigens was found to be dependent on the degree of histological differentiation of the tumor tissue. In well-defined carcinomas mostly pronounced expression of A and B blood group antigens was observed. Middle and low-differentiated carcinomas were characterized by reduction or even total deletion of expression. The expected favorable prognosis in transitional cell carcinomas expressing A and B blood group antigens failed to be confirmed. The expression of incompatible A-like antigens in 0 and B blood group patients with carcinoma is discussed. (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 22.).