Foetal Sulphoglycoprotein Antigen (FSA) as a Possible Precursor of Alimentary Canal Cancers

Abstract

The immunological relationship of the well-known CEA (carcino-embryonic antigen) of colon cancer and a glycoprotein antigen of gastric juice called FSA (foetal sulphoglycoprotein antigen) is demonstrated in Ouchterlony plates. The occurrence of FSA in gastric juice of a normal population of between 40 and 64 years of age has been studied among 1,747 Finnish industrial workers. The rates of positives ranging between 0 and 6.67 per cent in males and 0 and 1.55 in females were age-dependent. The possible role of FSA as a precursor of gastric and colon cancers is discussed. Fifty-one FSA secretors were examined clinically and a follow-up study of them will be carried out at frequent intervals in the future.

Key-words:

• Antigens
• gastric cancer
• gastrointestinal tract
• immunology
• tumour