Tissue N-linked glycosylation as potential prognostic biomarker for biochemical recurrence-free survival

Abstract

Purpose

Only few biomarkers have been evaluated for their prognostic value following radical prostatectomy. We explored if tissue N-glycosylation shows prognostic properties for biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival.

Materials and methods

Tissue N-glycosylation profile was determined from 82 prostate cancer (PCa) patients and prognostic features were compared to clinical and biochemical parameters for BCR-free survival.

Results

Majority presented with Gleason score 3 + 4 (41%), extensive local disease (62%) and without pelvic lymph nodes invasion (83%). Several parameters (low T stage, low Gleason score, low EAU risk groups for BCR, absence of positive surgical margins, high ratio of fucosylated triantennary structures on total of multiantennary structures [3AFc/MA], low ratio of fucosylated biantennary with core-branched N-acetylglucosamine on total of biantennary structures, and high ratio of triantennary structures on total of multiantennary structures) proved to have a univariate beneficial effect on BCR-free survival. Multivariate analysis proved positive surgical margins and 3AFc/MA to be independent prognosticators.

Conclusions

Tissue N-glycans are a powerful prognostic tool and can be an asset in PCa as the ratio of 3AFc/MA is independently associated with BCR-free survival. This could be of clinical use in guiding patients following radical prostatectomy, e.g. referral to adjuvant radiotherapy. Further elaboration of this biomarker is warranted.

Keywords:

• N-Glycosylation profile
• tissue
• prostate cancer
• prostatectomy
• prognostic biomarker
• biochemical recurrence

Acknowledgements

This research received no external funding. The Arthrobacter ureafaciens α-2,3/6/8-sialidase was kindly provided by the laboratory of prof. Nico Callewaert, Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare no conflict of interest.