Anti-CA15-3 Human Cancer Associated Antigen (Tumor Cells)

The MUC-1 mucin (Cancer Antigen CA15-3) is secreted from tumor cells. The apo-protein of the MUC-1 mucin contains a transmembrane domain, a cytoplasmic domain, and an extracellular carbohydrate rich domain. The extracellular domain is characterized by polymorphism with respect to the number of a 20aa tandem repeat (VNTR polymorphism). The MBC antigen is a membrane anchored mucin type glycoprotein present in a variety of adenocarcinomas including breast, colon, ovary, lung and pancreas, and normal epithelial cells of different organs. The mucin (MBC) is secreted from tumor cells and can be used as serological marker of breast cancer. Several commercial breast cancer assays measuring the MBC breast antigen are available under different brand name, e.g. CA 15-3. Before the introduction of CA 15-3, carcinoembroynic antigen (CEA) was commonly used to monitor breast cancer patients. The CA 15-3 or mucin breast cancer assay is a more sensitive and specific marker in breast cancer than CEA. Mucin breast cancer marker correlates with disease progression, regression, or stability in higher number of patients than CEA. The mucin breast cancer assay may have two clinical applications: (i) to identify patients most likely to develop metastatic disease and (ii) to monitor therapy and tumor recurrence. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilutions: ELISA (Capture or detection): Forms a suitable pair with C0050-20A., Immunohistochemistry: Frozen or paraffin sections, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.