Various sympathetic derived human tumors differ in neurofilament expression. Use in diagnosis of neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma.

We have extended our analysis of human tumors using antibodies specific for each of the five types of intermediate filaments to neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, ependymoblastoma, and alveolar soft part sarcoma. Tumor cells in the three cases of neuroblastoma, as well as in the single case of alveolar soft part sarcoma, did not react positively with sera directed against any of the five intermediate filament types. We suppose, therefore, that neuroblastoma at least may be derived from a cell type - possibly present in peripheral neurones - which in vivo has very few or no intermediate filaments. In ganglioneuroblastoma and in pheochromocytoma the tumor cells were positive when tested with antibodies directed against neurofilaments and negative with those directed against other intermediate filament types. The ependymoblastoma was positive when tested with antibodies directed against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFA) and negative when tested with antibodies against other intermediate filament types. Use of antibodies to the different intermediate filament types appears to be a valid way in which to classify tumors, and so far the data presented here and elsewhere support the hypothesis that tumor cells retain the intermediate filament type typical of their cell of origin. Wider use of these sera would seem particularly useful in cases such as neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma or lymphoma where diagnosis is currently difficult using conventional histological stains.