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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
10:46
A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
Published on: September 13, 2022
Discovery and development of anticancer aptamers
Christopher R Ireson1, Lloyd R Kelland
1Antisoma Research Laboratories, London, UK.
Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
|December 19, 2006
Summary
Aptamers are novel therapeutic molecules that bind targets with high specificity. AS1411, an aptamer, shows promise in cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor growth and has demonstrated safety in early clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Aptamers are short DNA/RNA oligonucleotides or peptides with specific 3D structures for tight target binding.
- They function as therapeutic decoys or
- chemical antibodies
- and can target extracellular proteins, bypassing the need for intracellular delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of aptamers, focusing on AS1411 in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the mechanism of action, stability, and clinical trial findings of AS1411.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on aptamer therapeutics, including AS1411.
- Analysis of preclinical data and Phase I clinical trial results for AS1411 in advanced solid tumors.
- Examination of aptamer stability and mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- AS1411, a guanosine-rich oligonucleotide, inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro and shows activity against tumor xenografts.
- AS1411 demonstrates stability in serum and a mechanism involving nucleolin binding and DNA replication inhibition.
- Phase I trials indicate promising activity and safety in patients with advanced solid tumors, including renal cancer.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers represent a promising class of therapeutics with demonstrated efficacy and safety.
- AS1411 is an advanced aptamer with significant potential in cancer treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.
- Ongoing trials are evaluating AS1411 in renal and non-small cell lung cancers, with preclinical studies exploring other cancer targets.
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