Immunohistochemical examination of carcinomas in the pancreatoduodenal region and its non-malignant counterparts using monoclonal antibodies against Lewis blood group-related antigens and sialyl Tn antigen

Abstract

Fourty cases of carcinomas in the pancreatoduodenal region (carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: 11 cases, carcinoma of the pancreas head (CPH): 12 cases, carcinoma of the inferior common bile duct (CIBD):17 cases) and its non-malignant counterparts were examined immunohistochemically, using monoclonal antibodies against four Lewis (Le) blood group-related antigens and sialyl Tn antigen. TKH-2 (anti-sialyl Tn) reactivity, which is almost negative in non-malignat counterparts except for goblet cells in the duodenum, is highly positive in carcinomas, therefore, sialyl Tn antigen can be an excellent tumor marker in this region. Le^x and sialyl Le^x-i antigens have been regarded as pancreatic cancer-associated antigens, however, this study suggests that Le^x and sialyl Le^x-i are more useful markers for CIBD than CPH. Above findings imply that altered regulation of glycosyltransferase activity is associated in malignant state of the pancreas and inferior common bile duct.