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Glucose conjugation for the specific targeting and treatment of cancer

Emilia C Calvaresi1, Paul J Hergenrother

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801.

Chemical Science
|October 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells consume excessive glucose via the Warburg effect. Glycoconjugation links drugs to sugars, enhancing targeted cancer therapy delivery and selectivity for improved treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancers exhibit high glucose uptake and aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect).
  • Targeting cancer's dysfunctional metabolism is a key therapeutic strategy.
  • Glycoconjugation offers a promising approach for selective drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review glycoconjugates for targeted cancer therapy.
  • To summarize examples of drugs linked to glucose or sugar substrates.
  • To provide guidelines for future glycoconjugate design and evaluation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing glycoconjugate research.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies involving drug-sugar conjugates.
  • Synthesis of design principles for novel glycoconjugates.

Main Results:

  • Glycoconjugates demonstrate potential for enhanced cancer targeting.
  • Linking cytotoxins or therapeutics to glucose improves selectivity.
  • Various examples showcase successful drug-sugar conjugation strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Glycoconjugates represent a viable strategy for Warburg effect-targeted cancer therapy.
  • Careful design and mechanistic evaluation are crucial for optimizing glycoconjugate efficacy.
  • This approach holds promise for developing more selective and effective anticancer treatments.
Keywords:
Warburg effectanticancer agentscancerdrug conjugationdrug targetingglucoseglucose conjugateglufosfamideglycoconjugateglycoside

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