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A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
Published on: September 13, 2022
PEG conjugates in clinical development or use as anticancer agents: an overview.
Gianfranco Pasut1, Francesco M Veronese
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, 35100 Padova, Italy. gianfranco.pasut@unipd.it
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|August 13, 2009
Summary
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation enhances anticancer drugs, improving their stability and half-life. Clinical trials show PEGylated proteins and drugs offer better therapeutic action against cancer.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- PEGylation has been explored for nearly 40 years to improve anticancer agents.
- Few PEGylated agents have advanced to clinical trials, limiting understanding of their in vivo behavior.
- Native proteins often have short half-lives, instability, and immunogenicity, hindering therapeutic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review PEGylated protein and low molecular weight drug conjugates in clinical development or use as anticancer agents.
- To highlight the role of PEGylation in overcoming limitations of native therapeutic proteins.
- To discuss the application of PEGylated conjugates in standard anticancer protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for PEGylated anticancer agents.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of PEG conjugates.
- Examination of PEGylation's impact on protein stability, immunogenicity, and biodistribution.
Main Results:
- PEGylation improves drug biodistribution, clearance, and in vivo stability.
- PEGylation effectively shields proteins from degradation and reduces immunogenicity.
- PEGylated depleting enzymes and conjugates like PEG-G-CSF and PEG-interferons show promise.
Conclusions:
- PEGylation is a valuable strategy for enhancing the efficacy of anticancer agents.
- Clinical data confirms the benefits of PEGylation in improving drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes.
- PEGylated conjugates represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy and adjuvant treatment.
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