The same integrin adhesion molecules used by normal leukocytes for traffic and localization in inflammation sites may be used by malignant cells for dissemination. Identifying the adhesion molecules and then blocking them with appropriate antibody may therefore prove useful for controlling tumor spread. This prediction was tested on a spontaneous murine T cell lymphoma (LB) that expresses LFA-1 adhesion molecules. The adhesion molecules were identified by fluorocytometry and immunoprecipitation with anti-CD18 mAb (M18/2). Subcutaneously inoculated LB lymphoma rapidly infiltrated the spleen and the lymph nodes, as indicated by histologic examination and [3H]thymidine incorporation assay of proliferating LB cells derived from the invaded organs. The normal organization of the lymphoid organs was totally effaced by the infiltrating LB cells. Intravenous injection of anti-CD18 mAb, protein G-purified anti-CD18 mAb, or its F(ab')2 fragments (but not irrelevant control mAb) blocked the invasion of the s.c. inoculated lymphoma into the spleen. Whereas i.v. injected anti-CD18 mAb could not block the infiltration of LB cells into the lymph nodes, local s.c. injection of this antibody near the lymph nodes partially inhibited lymphoma invasion into these organs. It was further found that LB cells form aggregates with spleen cells but not with lymph node cells. In addition, spleen-infiltrating LB cells invade both the spleen and the lymph nodes after s.c. injection. On the other hand, lymph node-infiltrating LB cells invade mainly the lymph nodes under similar circumstances.