Cancer Associated Carbohydrate Antigens (CACAs) are specific molecules present on the surface of cancer cells that act as markers or identifiers of cancerous growth. These antigens are derived from abnormal glycoproteins or glycolipids, which are molecules composed of both carbohydrate and protein or lipid moieties. CACAs are primarily found in cancers of epithelial origin, such as breast, colon, ovarian, and lung cancers.
The presence of CACAs helps in distinguishing cancer cells from normal healthy cells, making them potential targets for diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions. These antigens play a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis by promoting tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis, as well as by modulating immune responses.
CACAs are widely used in clinical practice as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. Detecting and measuring CACAs in blood, urine, or tissue samples can aid in early cancer detection, determining the stage of cancer, predicting disease prognosis, and assessing tumor response to therapy.
Research efforts are focused on identifying newer and more specific CACAs to improve cancer detection, develop targeted therapies, and enhance the effectiveness of cancer vaccines. Understanding the role of CACAs in cancer biology holds great potential for developing novel diagnostic tools and personalized therapies tailored to individual patients.
