Tumor‐associated antigens in breast carcinomas. Prognostic significance

In an attempt to identify biologic markers that might predict prognosis in breast cancer patients, the presence or absence of seven tumor‐associated antigens in 54 infiltrating breast carcinomas was correlated with tumor recurrence rates (minimum five‐year follow‐up), axillary lymph node metastases and tumor volume. Immunohistochemical kappa‐casein was present in 30 (56%) tumors, alpha‐lactalbumin in 39 (72%) tumors, secretory component of IgA in 26 (48%) tumors, carcinoembryonic antigen in 34 (63%) tumors, pregnancy‐specific beta‐1‐glycoprotein in 7 (13%) tumors, beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin in 1 (2%) tumor and human placental lactogen in 0 (0%) tumors. There was no significant correlation between the presence or absence in tumor of any of the antigens, and prognosis as assessed either by 5‐year recurrence rates (P > 0.18) or by the presence of axillary lymph node metastases (P > 0.20). No significant difference was noted in mean tumor volume (cm³) ±SEM, between tumors with or without antigen immunoreactivity (P > 0.05).