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Possible Explanation for Loss of Detectable Antibody in Patients with Disseminated Malignant Melanoma

Abstract

SINCE the demonstration of immunity to animal tumours1 evidence has accumulated2 indicating tumour specific antigens and corresponding antibodies in human malignant disease2–10. In malignant melanoma, antibodies have been detected only in patients with early or localized tumours11,12. After progression from localized to disseminated melanoma, antibodies are not detected in the patient's sera11. Attempts have been made to explain this disappearance of antibody in terms of a loss of recognizable antigenicity in the metastatic melanoma cells or antigenic modulation13, inability of the patient to continue producing an immune response to the melanoma; a disseminated tumour acting as an antigen “sponge” soaking up all available antibody, and a production of a “blocking” substance causing inactivation of the tumour specific antibodies.

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LEWIS, M., PHILLIPS, T., COOK, K. et al. Possible Explanation for Loss of Detectable Antibody in Patients with Disseminated Malignant Melanoma. Nature 232, 52–54 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/232052a0

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