AFP producing stomach cancer--a study of transplanted tumor in nude mice
Takahashi, Y.; Akimoto, R.; Mai, M.; Ogino, T.; Ueda, H.; Kitagawa, I.; Kitamura, T.; Sawaguchi, K.; Bunden, Y.; Ueno, M.
Gan no Rinsho. Japan Journal of Cancer Clinics 30(8): 907-911
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4949 PMID: 6206253 Document Number: 241478
AFP producing cancer of the stomach was divided into 2 groups; Group A demonstrated a marked elevation of serum AFP levels before gastrectomy and was positive for AFP by PAP staining; group B showed delayed elevation of AFP levels at recurrence or in the terminal stage. Experimentally, we could establish three cell lines from group A and two lines from group B from transplanted tumor in nude mice. Tumor growth, changes of serum AFP levels and PAP staining investigated in each group. Group A and B were not only thought to exhibit different biological behavior, but also different mechanisms in AFP production. Group A cells may have the ability to secrete high levels of AFP; this may be a property of these tumor cells. On the other hand, group B tumor cells initially have little ability to secrete AFP. However, they may transform into AFP producing cells as a phenomenon of cell differentiation.