Abstract:

Objective  To investigate  expression of ABH and Lewis histo-blood group antigens and their relationship to differentiation, tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and prognosis of primary lung cancer. Methods  Expression of ABH and Lewis histo-blood group antigens (Lewisa、 Lewisb、 sialyLewisx and Lewisy) were detected in normal lung tissues (n=30),  primary lung cancers (n=143) and corresponding metastatic lesions (n=41) using the immunohistochemical SP method. Results  The positive expression ratios of A, B, AB and O blood groups were 49.02% (25/51), 55.56% (20/36), 35.00% (7/20) and 69.44%（25/36）respectively in lung cancers, and no significant difference was detected between these blood groups (P>0.05). The expression of Lewisa (P=0.045) and sialylLewisx (P=0.015) was significantly higher in lung cancer tissues than that in normal lung tissues. The absent expression of ABH was significantly associated with differentiation (P<0.001) and metastasis (P=0.004). The higher expression of sialyLewisx was significantly associated with differentiation (P<0.001) and metastasis (P<0.001).  The 5-year survival rate of patients without expression of ABH antigens was significantly lower than those with expression of ABH antigens (6% vs 32%, P<0.001). The 5-year survival rate of patients with expression of sialylLewisx was significantly lower than those without expression of sialylLewisx (7% vs 30%, P=0.0012). Conclusion  Abnormal expressions of ABH and Lewis antigens were detected in primary lung cancers. Their abnormal expressions were significantly associated with differentiation, metastaisis and prognosis. ABH and sialyLewisx antigens might be useful predictors of an aggressive phenotype and a potential therapeutic target in primary lung cancer.

Key words: Lung neoplasms; ABH antigen;  Lewis antigen; Neoplasm metastasis