Red Cell Surface Antigen and its Relationship to Survival of Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

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Abstract
Patients (73) with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder seen from 1967 to 1973 were studied. The red cell antigen test was done in a controlled blind study to determine if tumor behavior can be predicted by this test. The results did not substantiate the findings of other investigators who have reported excellent correlation. Statistical evidence that loss of antigen was equated to a poor prognosis was not found. Patients in blood group O gave the weakest reaction; this test had to be done in a modified fashion in tumors from these patients. As individuals age they tend to lose the red cell antigen. There is no doubt that this test, as reported in the literature, is a great advance in the study of bladder cancer. Further refinement in technique and more data are needed to substantiate its accuracy in predicting the behavior of bladder cancer.