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Sweet Surprises: Decoding Tumor-Associated Glycosylation in Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Potential
Eileena F Giurini1, Sam G Pappas2, Kajal H Gupta1,2,3
1Division of Pediatric Oncology, Department of Surgery, RUSH University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Cells
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Tumor-associated glycosylation significantly impacts cancer progression and the tumor microenvironment. Glycan-targeting therapies offer specific, novel approaches to combat cancer by modulating these aberrant glycan structures.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Glycobiology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Tumor-associated glycosylation is a key hallmark of cancer, altering cell surface structures and functions.
- Aberrant glycosylation affects tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment, including immune evasion and angiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review dysregulated glycan motifs in tumorigenesis and their mechanisms.
- To highlight therapeutic opportunities targeting cancer-associated glycans and biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tumor-associated glycosylation.
- Analysis of glycan modifications' roles in cancer pathogenesis.
- Exploration of glycan-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Aberrant glycosylation enhances tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
- Altered glycans modulate the tumor microenvironment, influencing immune response and angiogenesis.
- Glycan-targeting therapies show promise for specificity and overcoming immune escape.
Conclusions:
- Glycosylation is central to cancer biology and presents a viable therapeutic target.
- Glycan-targeted agents can complement existing treatments like checkpoint blockade.
- Biomarker-driven strategies utilizing glycan profiles can aid cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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