Specific red cell adherence testing and radiotherapy.

Abstract

The presence or absence of measurable blood group antigens on the surface of a bladder carcinoma has aided in the prediction of the biologic potential of that patient's transitional cell carcinoma. Confusing data has arisen as to the reliability of the determination of specific red cell adherence testing following radiotherapy. The authors of this report have examined the presence of red cell antigens on the bladder tumor and adjacent uninvolved epithelium in patients before and after radiotherapy. Two groups of patients were studied: those receiving 2000 rad of radiation prior to radical cystectomy and those receiving 6000 rad as definitive therapy. In neither group did radiation therapy alone affect the measurement of blood-group antigens on the bladder carcinoma. In some cases the uninvolved mucosa does show alteration in the measurement of the blood-group antigens before and after radiotherapy, and thiotepa instilled intravesically after radiotherapy may affect the measurement of the uninvolved mucosa as well as the bladder tumor itself.