As all of you know, glycomics is one of the most powerful and promising approaches
to the discovery of cancer biomarkers. Most of the cancer biomarkers in use today are glycoproteins and glycolipids but the method used to measure them is primarily based on the quantitative analysis of the amount of marker proteins in serum using monoclonal antibodies raised against mostly the protein portions of the molecules. At present, however, even though cancer biomarkers are useful for monitoring diseases before and after treatment, they are not as useful in the early detection of cancer. The glycomics approach is slightly different because the methodology is based on qualitative changes in glycan chains as the result of aberrant glycosylation. The AFP L3 fraction, which is one of the best examples, was recently approved as the cancer biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma by the FDA. AFP L3 is produced as the result of the aberrant core fucosylation of AFP. Other cancer biomarkers such as PSA for detecting prostate cancer and others are also likely candidates for quantitatively measuring changes in glycan chains due to aberrant glycosylation.
The primary focus of this meeting is on the discovery of cancer biomarkers using glycomics. Two years ago, scientists from the Japanese group and the NIH/NIC group, both of whom are actively involved in research on the discovery of cancer biomarkers, discussed the possibility of holding this joint meeting in Japan and both sides were in complete agreement. The meeting is semi-closed but we encourage young scientists to participate.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to all of the invited speakers, from both foreign countries and Japan, who have agreed to participate. We sincerely hope that the meeting will be successful and informational and that it will provide a unique opportunity for scientists with a mutual interest in developing cancer biomarkers using glycomics to exchange information and strategies.
We wish to gratefully acknowledge support from the Alliance of Glycobiologists for Detection of Cancer and Cancer Risk supported by NIH/NIC, HGPI (Human Glycomics/Proteome Initiative) under HUPO supported by the core to core program of JSPS, NEDO, JST, AIST, Global COE program Osaka University, Mizutani Foundation.

Organizers