Human lung tumor-associated antigens of 32,000 daltons molecular weight.

Lung tumor-associated antigens of approximately 32,000 daltons were recognized by the use of sensitive radioimmunoassays and rabbit antisera, one raised against an extract of pooled human malignant lung tissues and another raised against a cell line derived from a human squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. These antigens differ from antigens described previously, including carcinoembryonic antigen and alpha-fetoprotein. The antigens were detected on 13 of 13 lung tumors (of all histologic types), fetal tissue, normal brain, 2 of 8 colon tumors, 2 of 9 prostate tumors, and 2 of 3 breast tumors, as well as on cell lines derived from lung tumors, neuroblastoma, human amnion, colon adenocarcinoma, and bladder tumors. They were not detectable on normal lung, liver, kidney, colon, or prostate tissues or on cell lines derived from osteosarcoma, fetal lung fibroblasts, transitional cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Lung tumors of different histologic types were concluded to express common, tumor-associated oncofetal antigens that are found less often on tumors of other organs.