Anti-MUC1 aptamer: A potential opportunity for cancer treatment

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a protein usually found on the apical surface of most normal secretory epithelial cells. However, in most adenocarcinomas, MUC1 is overexpressed, so that it not only appears over the entire cell surface, but is also shed as MUC1 fragments into the blood stream. These phenomena pinpoint MUC1 as a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer; consequently, interest has increased in MUC1 as a molecular target for overcoming cancer therapy challenges. MUC1 currently ranks second among 75 antigen candidates for cancer vaccines, and different antibodies or aptamers against MUC1 protein are proving useful for tracing cancer cells in the emerging field of targeted delivery. The unique properties of MUC1 aptamers as novel targeting agents, and the revolutionary role that MUC1 now plays in cancer therapy, are the focus of this review. Recent advancements in MUC1-targeted cancer therapy are also assessed.