Tumor cells express substances in the cell membrane which are not usually produced in healthy cell membranes. The determination of these tumor-associated structures is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of malignant disorders. Using the hybridoma technique of Kohler and Milstein, specific immunological reagents (monoclonal antibodies, MAB) can be obtained which recognize tumor-associated antigens. A monoclonal antibody of this type, CA-50 MAB, was obtained after immunization using a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, Colo 205. The CA-50 MAB recognizes two different carbohydrate chains, the sialylated Lewis-a and the hitherto unknown sialylated lactotetraose. Structures containing CA-50 are mainly found in gastrointestinal cancers (e.g. pancreatic, stomach, hepatic and colorectal cancers), but also sometimes in other malignant growths (endometrial cancers). The CA-50 antigens occur in the cell membrane in a lipid-bound form (as ganglioside) and in a form bound to a high molecular weight protein (as glycoprotein). The CA-50 antigens are released by the tumors into the blood stream where they can be specifically detected by means of immunological techniques based on CA-50 MAB. Sample Types: Human plasma, serum. Sample Size: 50 μL. Range: 0.4 to 180 U/mL. Sensitivity: 0.4 U/mL. Time: 4hr
Size
100 tubes
Concentration
n/a
Applications
Immunoassays. Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.