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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
Published on: May 16, 2020
Antibody-targeted RNase fusion proteins (immunoRNases) for cancer therapy
Jürgen Krauss1, Michaela A E Arndt, Stefan Dübel
1Natinal center for tumor diseases (NCT), Universit6y of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Fild 350, D-69120 Heidleberg, Germany. juergen.krauss@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Abstract:
Ribonucleases (RNases) of the superfamily A exhibit potent antineoplastic activity yet do not mediate appreciable immunogenicity or non-specific toxicity in both animal models and cancer patients. Ranpirnase (Onconase), the first ribonuclease being evaluated as a therapeutic in humans, has progressed to phase III clinical trials in patients with unresectable mesothelioma. Conjugation of RNases to internalizing tumor-targeting monoclonal antibodies was shown to enhance specific cell killing by several orders of magnitude both in vitro and in animal models. In this review we describe the development and current status of genetically engineered 2(nd) generation immunoRNases as promising novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
Insights
Ribonucleases (RNases) show anti-cancer effects without significant toxicity. Genetically engineered immunoRNases, like Ranpirnase (Onconase), are being developed as novel cancer therapeutics, enhancing tumor cell killing.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ribonucleases (RNases) of superfamily A possess significant antineoplastic activity.
- RNases demonstrate minimal immunogenicity and non-specific toxicity in preclinical and clinical settings.
- Ranpirnase (Onconase) is the first RNase to reach Phase III clinical trials for unresectable mesothelioma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and current status of second-generation immunoRNases.
- To highlight the potential of immunoRNases as novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation of RNases to internalizing, tumor-targeting monoclonal antibodies.
- Evaluation of enhanced specific cell killing in vitro and in animal models.
Main Results:
- Antibody-RNase conjugates significantly enhance tumor cell killing.
- ImmunoRNases represent a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- Genetically engineered immunoRNases are advancing as potent and specific anti-cancer agents.
- Targeted delivery via monoclonal antibodies amplifies the therapeutic efficacy of RNases.
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