Tumor-associated immunity in prostatic cancer as evaluated by tube antigen-induced leukocyte adherence inhibition: reactivity and specificity of responsiveness, and relationship to stage, grade and therapy

Initial observations of the identification of prostate tumor-associated antigens (Ags) and of tumor-associated immunity (TAI) demonstrated by the slide leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assay have been confirmed and extended by using the tube Ag-induced LAI assay. Seventy-five per cent (40 of 53) of the prostatic cancer patients evaluated showed significant reactivity to allogeneic extracts of malignant prostate not observed with tissues other than malignant prostate or in 39 patients with diseases other than carcinoma of the prostate. Despite observations of significant levels of TAI, a significant correlation between this immunity and the patient's stage of disease, histologic grade of tumor or therapy received was not determinable. Pending confirmation, the results of this initial investigation suggest implementation of a clinical trial of the utility of the tube Ag-induced LAI test as a potential routine diagnostic test for prostatic carcinoma.