The cell surface antigen A, B or O(H) as an indicator of malignant potential in stage A bladder carcinoma: preliminary report.

The presence or absence of cell surface antigens (A,B and H) on the cell surface of bladder tumors has been studied. The major blood group antigens A, B or O(H) are present on normal bladder epithelium but are not present on some low grade and low stage papillary transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. We have demonstrated that of 5 stage A bladder tumors that have not recurred in at least 5 years 3 retained the cell surface antigens, while tumors that have recurred locally, invaded or metastasized had lost these cell surface antigens on the original stage A tumor.