Glycan-based therapeutic approaches for bladder cancer: Overcoming clinical barriers

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a major global health issue with high incidence, recurrence, and mortality rates.
• Disease heterogeneity and rapid progression complicate management and biomarker discovery.
• Current therapies are often insufficient, necessitating personalized treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical challenges in BLCA management.
• To review emerging novel therapies for BLCA.
• To highlight the potential of cancer-associated aberrant glycosylation as a target for novel BLCA therapies.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current literature on BLCA management and treatment.
• It examines the role of anti-tumour immunotherapy and its limitations.
• It focuses on glycosylation alterations as a potential therapeutic avenue.

Main Results:

• Immunotherapy efficacy in BLCA is limited by low tumor mutational burden, hindering neoantigen presentation.
• Cancer-associated aberrant glycosylation presents unique BLCA-specific signatures.
• Glycosylation alterations offer a promising avenue for targeted therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

• Novel, personalized approaches are crucial for effective BLCA management.
• Aberrant glycosylation represents a unique opportunity for developing innovative glycan-based therapies.
• Targeting glycosylation alterations could revolutionize bladder cancer treatment strategies.