Exploring New Frontiers: Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments Through Glycocalyx Research

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) treatment is advancing towards personalized medicine.
• Significant patient variability exists in treatment response, even with similar profiles.
• The glycocalyx, crucial for cellular processes, is emerging as a potential therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular regulation of the glycocalyx in cancer.
• To examine the glycocalyx's role in tumor-immune interactions and immune evasion.
• To explore therapeutic strategies targeting glycocalyx alterations for overcoming treatment resistance.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on glycocalyx structure and function in cancer.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating cancer cell glycocalyx.
• Examination of therapeutic approaches, including traditional and novel drugs, for targeting the glycocalyx.

Main Results:

• Glycan modifications are characteristic of malignancy and influence cancer progression.
• The cancer cell glycocalyx plays a key role in modulating the tumor microenvironment and immune response.
• Specific glycocalyx structures contribute to immune evasion strategies employed by cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Understanding glycocalyx regulation is vital for BC treatment.
• Targeting the glycocalyx offers a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
• Combination therapies and novel agents show potential in overcoming BC treatment resistance linked to glycocalyx alterations.