Related Experiment Videos
Carbohydrate antigen expression in colorectal cancer
1GI Research Lab (151M2), VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA.
Seminars in Cancer Biology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Colorectal cancer alters cell surface carbohydrates, creating unique cancer antigens. These altered carbohydrate antigens in polyps may indicate early cancer risk, aiding in early detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Glycobiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by significant alterations in glycoprotein and glycolipid glycosylation.
- These changes lead to the expression of cancer-associated antigenic epitopes on the cell surface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the alterations in carbohydrate antigens in colorectal cancer.
- To evaluate the potential of these carbohydrate antigens as premalignant markers for early detection and risk stratification.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of changes in carbohydrate structures, including blood group antigens (A, B, H, Leb) and related antigens (sialosyl Lea, CA 50, SPan-1, Lex, Ley), as well as inner core antigens (T, Tn, Sialosyl-Tn).
- Examination of these alterations in both cancerous tissues and adenomatous polyps.
Main Results:
- Major changes observed include increased, inappropriate, deleted, or modified expression of antigenic structures compared to normal colorectal tissues.
- Similar alterations were found in adenomatous polyps, correlating with parameters of malignant potential.
Conclusions:
- Altered carbohydrate antigens in colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps show promise as premalignant markers.
- These markers could be valuable for identifying individuals at high risk for developing colorectal cancer, aiding in screening, immunodetection, staging, and therapy.