Screening for antibodies against PCA-2 antigen is used in patients with suspected paraneoplastic syndrome.
PCA-2 antigen (Purkinje cell antigen 2) is found in Purkinje cells, in most major neurons, and in various types of tumors, e.g. breast, ovarian, and small cell lung cancer. Patients often have encephalomyelitis or cerebral degeneration.
See also: Anti-Neuronal Antibodies