B72

B72 is a tumor marker used in immunohistochemistry to identify certain types of cancer. It is also known as TAG-72, which stands for Tumor-Associated Glycoprotein 72.

Overview

B72 is a high molecular weight, glycoprotein that is found in the surface of many types of carcinoma cells. It is particularly associated with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that starts in the cells that form glands in the body. B72 is not usually found in healthy tissues, making it a useful marker for identifying cancerous cells.

Clinical Significance

The presence of B72 in a tissue sample can help to confirm a diagnosis of cancer. It can also be used to monitor the progress of cancer treatment, as levels of B72 may decrease if the treatment is successful. However, not all cancers produce B72, so it is not a definitive test for cancer.

Detection

B72 can be detected using a technique called immunohistochemistry. This involves using antibodies that bind to B72, which can then be visualized under a microscope. The antibodies are usually labeled with a fluorescent dye or an enzyme that produces a colored reaction product, making the B72 easy to see.

Limitations

While B72 is a useful tool in cancer diagnosis and treatment, it has some limitations. Not all cancers produce B72, so a negative result does not rule out cancer. Additionally, some healthy tissues may produce small amounts of B72, leading to false positive results. Therefore, B72 testing should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods.

See Also

• Cancer
• Tumor marker
• Immunohistochemistry
• Adenocarcinoma

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