Tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens in breast cancer
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* Corresponding author: Philippe Delannoy philippe.delannoy@univ-lille1.fr
1 Structural and Functional Glycobiology Unit, UMR CNRS 8576, University of Sciences and Technologies of Lille, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
2 Université Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, France
3 Breast Cancer Biology Group, Research Oncology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
Breast Cancer Research 2010, 12:204 doi:10.1186/bcr2577
Published: 8 June 2010Abstract
Glycosylation changes that occur in cancer often lead to the expression of tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens. In breast cancer, these antigens are usually associated with a poor prognosis and a reduced overall survival. Cellular models have shown the implication of these antigens in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and tumour growth. The present review summarizes our current knowledge of glycosylation changes (structures, biosynthesis and occurrence) in breast cancer cell lines and primary tumours, and the consequences on disease progression and aggressiveness. The therapeutic strategies attempted to target tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens in breast cancer are also discussed.