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IgG galactosylation changes in cancer
Yumeng Liu1, Xiequn Xu1, Zejian Zhang2
1Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
Carbohydrate Research
|September 30, 2025
Summary
Changes in IgG galactosylation, a key glycan structure, show promise for early cancer detection. Monitoring these alterations in blood may improve cancer diagnosis, staging, and prognosis, aiding timely treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Cancer incidence and mortality are rising globally, necessitating improved diagnostic tools.
- Glycosylation, particularly galactose structures on IgG, is implicated in cancer progression.
- The role of IgG galactosylation in clinical cancer detection remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on alterations in serum and plasma IgG galactosylation in cancer patients.
- To discuss potential mechanisms behind these glycosylation changes.
- To highlight the future utility of IgG galactosylation in cancer detection, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining IgG galactosylation in cancer.
- Analysis of evidence linking IgG galactosylation patterns to cancer occurrence and progression.
- Synthesis of findings regarding diagnostic and prognostic potential.
Main Results:
- Increased agalactosylated IgG is frequently associated with cancer development and advancement.
- Serum and plasma IgG galactosylation patterns are altered in cancer patients.
- IgG galactosylation shows potential for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors and cancer staging.
Conclusions:
- IgG galactosylation alterations are a promising biomarker for cancer detection and diagnosis.
- This glycan marker could complement existing cancer markers for more precise patient management.
- Monitoring IgG galactosylation may enhance timely cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring.
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