The antigenicity and immunology of human cervical squamous cell carcinoma: a review.

Numerous studies have demonstrated an altered antigenicity in the carcinomatous cervix. Whether the neoplasia-associated antigens are of viral origin, are actually normal antigens expressed in elevated levels, or are true tumor-associated antigens has not been precisely determined, since evidence has been presented for all of these possibilities. These antigens associated with cervical squamous cell carcinoma have been demonstrated not only biochemically and by raising antisera to the tumors in animals but also by studies of the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of cervical cancer patients. Immunodiagnosis of cervical cancer with the use of these antigens has, to date, not been feasible, although several of the assays appear potentially useful.