Methods
We obtained glycomic profiles in tissue and serum samples from 55 individuals with GBM using a well-established lectin biochip platform probing with 11 specific lectins.
Objective
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive brain tumors and often leads to poor outcomes. Studies have indicated that glycan levels are significantly correlated with the pathogenesis and development of cancers. However, whether glycan levels can serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in GBM remains unclear.
Results
Our univariate analysis showed that 5 out of the 11 lectin-probed glycans (LPGs) were significantly higher in GBM tissues than in peri-tumoral tissues. After logistic regression analyses, only the Jacalin-probed T-antigen difference between the two groups remained significant (p = 0.037). Moreover, survival-related analyses showed that the level of Jacalin-probed T-antigen was significantly associated with the progression-free survival (p = 0.038) of patients. However, none of the LPG levels were correlated with the overall survival or the chemosensitivity to temozolomide therapy. The correlation coefficient analysis showed a moderate-to-strong correlation in the Jacalin-probed T-antigen levels between GBM tissues and serum samples, indicating its potential usefulness as a non-invasive GBM progression biomarker. Interpretation: Glycomics analyses can be helpful in the prediction of GBM recurrences and may provide information useful for GBM glycan-based target therapies or vaccine development.