Evaluation of a new bladder tumor marker.

Two monoclonal antibodies have been developed that bind to a shed bladder tumor-associated antigen. Preliminary data have demonstrated that antigen-positive tumors shed detectable amounts of antigen in the urine while antigen-negative tumors do not. This antigen may be differentially metabolized by normal and malignant urothelial cells. Further characterization of this antigen and its evaluation as a urinary marker for antigen positive bladder cancers is continuing.