Antigenic structure of ovarian cancer metastases.

Twenty highly specific (organ-specific and tumor-associated) antigens named ovarian metastatic antigens were revealed using polyclonal antibodies isolated from rabbits after immunization with soluble antigens from ovarian cancer metastases. These protein antigens were not detected by precipitating test system (sensitivity 1 mg/liter) in tissues of adult humans (except for organ-specific antigens) and blood plasma from healthy donors. Ovarian metastatic antigens included organ-specific, placenta-specific, tumor embryonic, tumor-associated, and reactive proteins. The precipitating test system identified 15 antigens in the amniotic fluid from pregnant women and 7 antigens in the plasma from patients with ovarian cancer (incidence 16-75%).