High incidence of GalNAc disialosyl lactotetraosylceramide in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Background: In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), glycosphingolipids monosialosyl globopentaosylceramide (MSGb5) and GalNAc disialosyl lactotetraosylceramide (GalNAcDSLc4) were shown to be predictors of metastasis. Here we extended the research using a larger cohort of patients with a longer follow-up period, and reevaluate their relationship to malignant potential, metastasis and prognosis in patients with RCC. Patients and Methods: MSGbS and GalNAcDSLc4 were examined in 114 primary RCCs by immunohistochemical method on cryostat sections. Results: GalNAcDSLc4 was detected in 13.2% of RCCs and was associated with a significantly higher incidence of metastasis at the time of primary visit (60.0% vs. 31.3%, p=0.0419) as well as de novo metastasis during follow-up (33.3% vs. 14.7%), and a shorter survival (p=0.0399). MSGb5 was detected in 51.8% of tumors and was not related to clinocopathological characteristics or survival. Conclusion: RCC patients with tumors positive for GalNAcDSLc4 are at higher risk of metastasis at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up.