[Carbohydrate chains and hematogenous metastasis: a review].
It is well known that the expression of carbohydrate chains on cell changes during the development and progression of carcinoma. Some carbohydrate chains have been used in clinical practice as tumor markers. Some, such as sialyl Lewis a (CA 19.9), sialyl Lewis X, and Tn, are known to function as adhesion molecules. However, their role in the development of hematogenous metastasis is still controversial. In this paper, many investigations concerning this issue are reviewed. Clinical trials for treatment of patients with advanced cancer using carbohydrate chains are also mentioned.
Kawamura
Y J
YJ
Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Japan.
Muto
T
T
D000818:Animals; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / Q000473:pathology*
D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules