Intek has developed over 20 very promising tumor-associated and possibly tumor-specific murine monoclonal antibodies against squamous cell carcinoma (scc) tumors. There are currently no immunological methods in use for monitoring scc patients for recurrence of tumor, or for identification of metastases. The specificity of these antibodies for scc tumors, but not for normal tissues, is great enough to warrant further examination of their usefulness in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic formats. The goal of this proposal is to develop immunoassays utilizing these monoclonal antibodies to detect antigens found specifically in association with scc tumors of the head and neck. The ultimate goal is to be able to measure these antigens in the serum of scc patients. Successful completion of phase i includes 1.identification of an antigen source for each monoclonal antibody (either scc tumor cell lines, heterotransplants of scc lines into nude mice, or spent culture supernatant); to date, the best candidates for tumor-specific antibodies have been derived from immunizations with fresh or frozen scc tumors,2.isolation of sufficient antigen, not necessarily in pure form, in order to set up solid phase inhibition format immunoassays, 3.development of immunoassay systems, and 4.preliminary measurement of antigen levels in scc patient and normal sera. Phase ii will involve large scale clinical study of the diagnostic & prognostic utility of scc antigen immunoassays.
