Mannan-binding lectin in malignancy

Complement may play a dual role in cancer: it may contribute either to the development or to the inhibition of tumour growth. Its components may be candidate biomarkers facilitating the disease detection, its progress or effectiveness of therapy. Additionally, complement deficiencies may increase the risk of infections and contribute to the higher mortality, especially in patients undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. In this paper, possible cancer associations of one of the factors activating complement via the lectin pathway, mannan-binding lectin (MBL), are discussed.

► Possible cancer associations of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) are discussed.
► MBL may play various roles, depending on the type of disease, mode of treatment and other factors.
► Review includes data concerning solid tumours and haematological malignancies.