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Switching off CD73: a way to boost the activity of conventional and targeted antineoplastic therapies

Luca Antonioli1, Sergey V Novitskiy2, Kris F Sachsenmeier3

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Department of Surgery and Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.

Drug Discovery Today
|July 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Blocking CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) shows promise for cancer therapy. Combining CD73 blockers with traditional treatments may enhance their effectiveness against cancer development and spread.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) is increasingly recognized as a significant target in cancer research.
  • Preclinical studies suggest CD73 plays a role in tumor progression and metastasis.
  • Pharmacological inhibition of CD73 is a promising strategy for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of CD73 as a therapeutic target in oncology.
  • To explore the synergistic effects of combining CD73 blockers with conventional cancer therapies.
  • To highlight the increased therapeutic potential of combination treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies on CD73 function in cancer.
  • Analysis of pharmacological approaches targeting CD73 (monoclonal antibodies, small molecules).
  • Evaluation of potential synergistic interactions with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Main Results:

  • CD73 blockade demonstrates potential in inhibiting cancer development, growth, and spread.
  • Combining anti-CD73 agents with conventional treatments may enhance overall therapeutic efficacy.
  • Synergistic effects are observed across various established cancer treatment modalities.

Conclusions:

  • CD73 represents a valuable therapeutic target for various cancers.
  • Combination strategies involving CD73 inhibition offer enhanced treatment potential.
  • Further investigation into CD73-targeted therapies alongside conventional treatments is warranted.

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