Mucins in breast cancer: recent immunological advances.

Mucins are heavily glycosylated proteins that are produced in excessive amounts in breast cancers and other adenocarcinomas. These proteins are potent immunogens; indeed, most monoclonal antibodies raised against extracts of breast cancer cells or tumors are directed toward a single family of mucins. The anti-mucin antibodies currently available are valuable diagnostic aids for detecting advanced stages of breast cancer. To improve the sensitivity of these antibodies so that they might be suitable for use in screening and early diagnosis, tumor imaging, and therapy of breast cancer, recent studies have focused on identifying the precise epitopes they recognize.