The distribution of ABO(H) isoantigens in urinary bladder tumours.

The distribution of blood group isoantigens (ABH) was studied with the specific red cell adherence test (SRCA); the red blood cells were visualized by the benzidine-peroxidase reaction. The H antigen was detected with Ulex europaeus agglutinin I lectin by direct immunoperoxidase technique. One hundred and seven bladder tumours were tested. It was found that blood group isoantigens diminished with immaturity (grade) and tumour invasiveness (T stadium). Patients with ABH blood group isoantigen deletion should be considered to be belong to a particularly high-risk group. The preservation of blood group antigens in grade II-III carcinomas may be useful in the choice of treatment (conservative or radical). In six cases in the area of squamous metaplasia of invasive carcinomas a strong false SRCA reaction was noticed detecting presumably the blood group determinants of the epidermal growth factor receptors.