Serum IgA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

After the demonstration of tumour specific antigens by Foley (1953) and Prehn and Maine (1957) a great deal of experimental and clinical data have established the role of humoral immunity in various aspects of malignancy. Serum IgA have been studied in 15 cases of carcinoma nasopharynx and a significant increase in IgA levels observed have been correlated with the exposure of the mucosa of oral cavity to environment and its stimulation leading to increased synthesis of the secretary antibody (IgA). No correlation with tumour dissemination was observed. The role of Epstein-Barr virus leading to increase in IgA cannot be ruled out.