Tumor marker production in human bronchial carcinoma xenografts.

A total of 37 human bronchial carcinomas (15 small cell, 10 squamous, six large cell and six adenocarcinomas) have been successfully heterotransplanted into immune-suppressed mice. Monolayer tissue cultures have been established from 23 of the xenograft lines. After contact with tumour cells, supernatant culture medium was analysed by radioimmunoassay for adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), calcitonin, human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (beta HCG) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Calcitonin production was associated with three (13%) xenograft lines (two small cell, one adenocarcinoma). beta HCG was found in three (13%) lines (one small cell, two large cell anaplastic). CEA was produced in 13 (56.5%) lines (seven small cell, two squamous, one large cell, three adenocarcinomas). ACTH was present in 18 (78.2%) lines (11 small cell, two squamous, two large cell, three adenocarcinomas), but evidence indicates that this hormone is not in all cases produced and secreted by the tumour.