Breast Cancer Progression and Expression of Blood Group-Related Tumor-Associated Antigens

Abstract

There is sufficient evidence that blood group related Lewis antigens are tumor-associated molecules. We have conducted immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of Lewis antigens in breast cancer tissue as an indicator of the degree of malignancy and as a prognostic factor. The studies were performed by examining 43 female patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Postoperative specimens were stained immunohistochemically using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for tumor-associated antigens: sialosyl LewisA, LewisA, LewisB, Lewisx, and LewisY. The aims of the study were to compare the appearance of metastases, degree of cancer stage (pTNM), and its histologic differentiation with the expression of Lewis phenotype. The evaluation of antigen expression was performed quantitatively and independently by two pathologists. Statistical significance was defined by Mann-Whitney test. The presented analysis of Lewis antigens showed higher expression of LeB and LeA (p = 0.03) in patients in stage N2 than in stage N1. The expression of LeB and LeY was higher in patients in stage T4 than in stage T1 (p = 0.02). No differences were observed for histologic differentiation. These data suggest that the expression of sialosyl-LeA and LeB antigens in breast cancer may predict metastases to lymph nodes.

Screening antibody and immunosorbent selectivity by two‐dimensional liquid chromatography‐MS/MS (2‐D LC‐MS/MS)

“…Both are widely distributed in mammals, often conjugated to the same proteins, but not always. Recent literature suggests that Lewis antigens might be biomarkers of cancer [28]. If true, antibodies targeting these glycans will be valuable analytical tools in clinical diagnostics.…”

Phase I Dose Escalation Study with the Lewis Y Carbohydrate Specific Humanized Antibody IGN311

“…Regarding the expression profile on tumor cells, predominantly adenocarcinomas of the lung, breast, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, prostate and ovarian cancers have been tested positive for LeY [2,[6][7][8][9]. Pronounced expression of LeY in different tumors is associated with decreased survival and higher metastatic potential [10][11][12][13][14].…”

Cancer Vaccines Targeting Carbohydrate Antigens

“…There are however several examples where the roles these cancer cell surface carbohydrate antigens play is well defined. 19,25 In the embryo, expression of the embryonic form of N-CAM on individual cells is turned on just prior to periods of high motility and off when motility is no longer required. 25 Neuroblastoma and especially SCLC are unique in that they are so highly metastatic that by the time they are diagnosed metastases have occurred.…”

“…Le y and globo H are predominately expressed as neutral glycolipids but like sialyl Le a they can also be linked to -OH groups of serine or threonine on mucins and N-linked via the NH2 group of asparagine in other proteins. 8,11,12,[14][15][16][17][18][19] Polysialic acid is expressed on the glycoprotein neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM). N-CAM undergoes posttranslational modifications resulting in the aquisition of 5-10 α 2, 8-linked sialic acid residues in the adult form but 20-100 residues in the "embryonic" form.…”