Inhibition of metastasis potential and invasiveness by oligosaccharides or oligosaccharide antigens or antibodies

摘要

Agents and methods for inhibiting metastasis potential of tumor cells are provided. Metastasis potential of tumor cells may be inhibited by an agent selected from the group consisting of (a) tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) that exhibit differential prognostic significance, (b) antibodies that specifically bind to these antigens, (c) oligosaccharide components of these antigens, and (d) conjugates of these antigens or oligosaccharides, wherein the agent inhibits the metastasis potential of the preparation. Additional oligosaccharides for use within the methods and compositions provided herein include lactose and lactose derivatives. The present invention also discloses conjugates comprising oligosaccharides and poly(ethylene glycol).