Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is typically preceded by a gradual and orderly sequence of recognizable cytomorphologic states of bronchial metaplasia and dysplasia. Such atypical changes, however, can be reversed by attenuation of smoking or by drug intervention; and therefore do not reliably predict the eventual development of frank neoplasia. Monoclonal antibody 17.13., a novel antibody raised against a human epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx, recognizes with high sensitivity and specificity an undefined cytoplasmic antigen(s) in normal human basal cells and in malignant human squamous cells from a variety of sites. Based on the finding that occasional sputum bronchial cells that morphologically are neither normal of frankly malignant are also MAb 17.13-reactive, we postulate that MAb 17.13. may recognize an early marker of neoplastic commitment among superficial layers of bronchial epithelium including the cells exfoliated into sputum. This application proposes (a) a survey of the prevalence of MAb 17.13-reactivity in the bronchial epithelium of 150 former asbestos workers at high risk for lung cancer; and (b) the modulation of that reactivity by a six-month course of the retinoid etretinate in a single are Phase II trial. Results of this pilot study in methods-development will allow a sound assessment of the feasability of this model for the future testing of putative chemoprevention agents among cohorts at high risk for lung cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project--Cooperative Agreements (U01)
Project #
1U01CA048375-01
Application #
3549153
Study Section
(SRC)
Project Start
1988-09-01
Project End
1989-09-29
Budget Start
1988-09-01
Budget End
1989-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Health Center at Tyler
Department
Type
Hospitals
DUNS #
City
Tyler
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
75708