[Gangliosides and cancer].

Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids which contain neuraminic acid. Although they are present in the plasma membranes of all cells, gangliosides are expressed differently, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in certain types of cancer. Modifications in ganglioside composition may account for some of the abnormal interactions between these tumor cells and their environment. Furthermore, some of the gangliosides are shed by tumor cells and may modify host immunity, thus contributing to the development of tumors. In cases of melanoma and neuroblastoma, the modifications in ganglioside expression are such that gangliosides may be used both as tumor markers and as targets for immunotherapy.