Immunohistochemical study of epithelial membrane antigen in araplastic, metastatic carcinomas and malignant lymphomas

ABSTRACT

20 cases of primary metastatic tumours of epithelial origin and non Hodgkin's lymphomas were studied by the immunoperoxidase method to determine the reaction and the distribution of epithelium membrane antigen [EMA] with the use of monoclonal antibody. Well and moderately differentiated epithelial tumours, as well as adenocystic carcinoma reacted positively with EMA, whereas anaplastic carcinomas and lympho-epithelioma demonstrated low positivity of EMA. In metastatic tumours, micrometastasis of epithelial origin expressed EMA positively, while the lymphoid tissues around them were negative. Non Hodgkin's lymphomas also reacted negatively with EMA