Correlation between the presence of lectin binding sites of pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells and their metastatic cells

Abstract

7212 Background: During tumor progression to metastasis, the aberrant glycosylation of tumor cell membrane glycoconjugates plays a key role. These changes can be detected histochemically by the use of lectins. The aim of the present investigation was to analyze a possible association between the presence of lectin binding sites of pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells and their lymph node and hematogenous metastatic cells. Methods: For this purpose, the expression of HPA-, PHA-L- and UEA-I binding sites were assessed in primary tumors, lymph node metastases and hematogenous metastases of 96 patients with metastatic adenocarcinomas of the lung who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2002. Results: We found a significant positive correlation between the binding of the lectins HPA (p = 0.002), PHA-L (p < 0.00001) and UEA-I (p < 0.00001) to the cells of the primary tumor and to its lymph node metastases. There was positive correlation between the binding of HPA to the cells of the primary tumor and the hematogenous metastases as well. Conclusion: We are the first to demonstrate a positive correlation between the binding of the lectins HPA, PHA-L and UEA-I to the cells of the primary tumor and to its lymph node metastases. Expression of HPA bindig sites is also preserved in the hematogenous metastases in metastatic disease. Our results support the hypothesis that the aberrant glycolsylation of tumor cell membrane glycoconjugates is involved in the metastatic spread of tumors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.