Immunohistochemical study of medulloblastoma with a monoclonal antibody against human copper and zinc-superoxide dismutase.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression in tumor tissues was investigated in 10 cases of medulloblastoma by immunohistochemistry, using a monoclonal antibody against human copper and zinc-superoxide dismutase. Abundant SOD was expressed in tumors from patients with poor outcomes and little SOD in patients with good outcomes. These results suggest that resistance to adjuvant therapy depends on the amount of SOD in tumor tissues. The effects of adjuvant therapies for medulloblastomas depend on the production of free oxygen radicals, so if tumor cells contain a free radical scavenger such as SOD, the effects of adjuvant therapy may be reduced. Measurement of SOD in tumor tissues may be useful as a prognostic indicator for medulloblastoma.