Sloan-kettering Institute for Cancer Research

David S Schrump

Lloyd J Old

Kenneth O Lloyd

Hiroshi Yamaguchi

Koichi Furukawa

This invention provides a composition useful for diagnosing cancer which specifically recognizes a galactosyl-globoside. Preferably, the composition is a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognize the galactosyl-globoside antigen, gal-Gb4. Additionally, the present invention provides two hybridoma cell lines, designated J309 and D579, which produce monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize gal-Gb4. The invention also provides a method of diagnosing a carcinoma which comprises contacting a sample from a human subject with a composition which specifically recognizes a galactosyl-globoside antigen and is labeled with a detectable moiety, under suitable conditions so as to form a detectable complex. The amount of formed complex is then quantified and correlated with values obtained from subjects devoid of carcinomas. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating carcinoma which comprises administering an effective amount of galactosyl-globoside or an analog thereof and a pharmaceutically carrier to stimulate the body production of antibodies.

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

David S Schrump