Tumor markers blood group antigens

Carbohydrate-related tumor markers either are (1) antigens on the tumor cell surface or (2) secreted by the tumor cells. Monoclonal antibodies have been developed against these antigens. These markers have been found to be clinically useful as tumor markers and tend to be more specific than naturally secreted markers, such as enzymes and hormones. Biochemically, they are high molecular weight mucins (Table 23-10) or blood group antigens (Table 23-11). 

Increasing hydrophilicity Reduction of sialidase and sialate-pyruvate lyase actions Binding of viruses, bacteria, plant, invertebrate and mammalian lectins Hindering recognition by mammalian receptors Modulation of immune response Blood group determinant Tumor-associated antigen Differentiation marker... 

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