The prognostic value of cell surface antigens in low grade, non-invasive, transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Tumors in 23 patients who presented with a low grade, non-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were studied for blood group antigens A, B or O on the cell surface. Of 14 patients without cell surface antigens initially 13 suffered an invasive tumor subsequently and 1 had diffuse carcinoma in situ. Of 9 patients with cell surface antigens initially 8 did not have an invasive recurrence during a 5 or more-year followup and 1 did. The presence or absence of blood group cell surface antigen on a low grade, non-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder would seem to have value in predicting future recurrence with muscle invasion.