A review of tumor antigens in gynecologic malignancies.

Evidence for the presence of tumor-associated gynecologic tumor antigens from our laboratory and others is presented. Tumor-associated antigens have been described for invasive carcinoma of the cervix and mucinous carcinoma of the ovary with cross-reacting antigens in malignant vulvar tissue. The provocative finding of a cross-reacting antigen in malignant cervical, vulvar and ovarian tissue raises the possibility of a common etiologic agent. The hope of the clinician is to utilize the tumor antigens in diagnosis and therapy. However, it is necessary to caution against overzealous acceptance so the carcinoembryonic antigen story is not repeated.