Abstract
We have investigated the expression of Lewis Y (a member of the Lewis blood group family) with regard to both its diagnostic use in surgical pathology and its therapeutic application. A total of 228 tumor samples (carcinoma, benign and malignant soft tissue tumors) were included in the study. By using an ABC immunohistochemical method, we demonstrated that the expression of Lewis Y is highly correlated with an epithelial origin of a tumor. With a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% a positive Lewis Y immunohistochemical reaction was found to discriminate epithelial tumors from non-epithelial tumors. Monoclonal antibodies raised against Lewis Y and humanized can be used in tumor therapy. Prior to a therapeutic application the expression of Lewis Y in different tumor types and the amount of positive tumor cells has to be known. From our data we conclude that epithelial, but not mesenchymal tumors may be suitable for immunotherapy with humanized monoclonal LewisY antibodies. An immunohistochemical assessment of the LewisY expression should be carried out prior to an application of humanized LewisY antibodies. Of the investigated tumors, especially breast cancer may be taken into consideration for the first clinical trial.
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