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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Apr 15, 2010; 2(4): 177-180
Published online Apr 15, 2010. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v2.i4.177
Published online Apr 15, 2010. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v2.i4.177
Circulating galectin-3 in the bloodstream: An emerging promoter of cancer metastasis
Lu-Gang Yu, The Henry Wellcome Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Gastroenterology, Division of Gastroenterology, School of Clinical Sciences and Liverpool Centre for Glycobiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Yu LG contributed solely to this Editorial.
Supported by Cancer Research UK grant C7596 and North West (of England) Cancer Research Fund grant CR777
Correspondence to: Dr. Lu-Gang Yu, The Henry Wellcome Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Gastroenterology, Division of Gastroenterology, School of Clinical Sciences and Liverpool Centre for Glycobiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom. lgyu@liv.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-151-7946820 Fax: +44-151-7946825
Received: September 3, 2009
Revised: October 14, 2009
Accepted: October 21, 2009
Published online: April 15, 2010
Revised: October 14, 2009
Accepted: October 21, 2009
Published online: April 15, 2010
Abstract
Increased concentrations of free circulating galectin-3 are commonly seen in the blood circulation of patients with many types of cancers including colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that changes in circulating galectin-3 levels in cancer patients may contribute significantly to the metastatic spread of disseminating cancer cells by enhancing their ability to adhere to blood vessel endothelium and by helping their avoidance of immune surveillance. Thus, targeting the galectin-3 actions in the circulation may hold significant promise for future development of novel therapeutic agents to prevent metastasis and reduce cancer-associated fatality.