Identification of basal cell carcinomas by means of monoclonal antibodies C50 and C241.

The monoclonal antibodies C50 and C241 with specificities for the carcinoma-associated carbohydrate structures sialylated Lea and sialosyllactotetraose, respectively, were used in the indirect immunofluorescent test for demonstration of malignant cells in patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Among a total of 36 patients with BCC, 33 were positive with the MAb C50, and 30 with the MAb C241. All of five patients with premalignant conditions were positive with both antibodies, whereas none of 31 control individuals (biopsies from normal skin or from patients with non-malignant conditions) showed a positive reaction. It is suggested that the technique described may provide a convenient tool for evaluation of samples obtained by microscopically controlled surgery of BCC as well as being an adjunct to conventional light microscopy in pathologic-anatomic diagnosis of potentially malignant disease of the skin.