Abstract
This application claims the isolation of a cancer-specific antigen of ∼ 150 kDa molecular weight present in human breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and other cancers. The inventors suggest that ‘the antibodies have tumour specificity and are useful for therapy, diagnosis, monitoring, detecting and imaging of cancers. The antibody-recognised cancer-specific surface antigens can serve as targets for detecting, diagnosing, inhibiting or killing neoplastic cells.’ The cancer-specific antigen is noted to be absent from human breast, colon, oesophagus, liver, lung and ovary tissue cells.’ The inventors also discuss a number of possible applications of antibodies directed against the purportedly cancer-specific antigen, utilising methods that include antibody humanisation, immunoconjugation, preparation of chimeric antibodies, and other molecular research and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.