Cancer-associated antigen (CanAg) (CanAg)

Cancer-associated antigen (CanAg) is a tumor-associated carbohydrate epitope primarily expressed on the surface of epithelial malignancies, including colorectal, pancreatic, and gastric cancers (Baeckström et al., 1991). It is specifically defined by its recognition by the monoclonal antibody C242 and is often found on a specific glycoform of the MUC1 protein (Heiskanen et al., 2000). Although CanAg is structurally related to the sialyl-Lewis A (CA19-9) antigen, it possesses a distinct glycan profile and a more restricted distribution in normal tissues, which enhances its potential as a therapeutic target (Tolcher et al., 2003). In clinical oncology, CanAg has been targeted using antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as cantuzumab mertansine (IMGN242) and cantuzumab ravtansine, which utilize the C242 antibody to deliver cytotoxic maytansinoid payloads directly to tumor cells (Smith et al., 2011). The high density of CanAg on the surface of cancer cells facilitates the efficient internalization of these conjugates via receptor-mediated endocytosis, leading to selective cell death while minimizing systemic exposure (Ritchie et al., 2000). Despite promising preclinical data, clinical trials have highlighted challenges such as dose-limiting toxicities related to the biliary tract, where low levels of CanAg expression can occur (Tolcher et al., 2003).

Other names

C242 antigenCanAg epitopeTumor-associated carbohydrate antigen CanAgMUC1 glycoform

Targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents via antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that bind to the CanAg epitope, followed by receptor-mediated internalization and intracellular release of the payload.