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Published on: June 13, 2014
An Overview of Antibody Conjugated Polymeric Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy
Alberto Juan1,2, Francisco J Cimas1, Iván Bravo2,3
1Oncología traslacional, Unidad de Investigación del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain.
Abstract:
Nanoparticles (NPs) are promising drug delivery systems (DDS) for identifying and treating cancer. Active targeting NPs can be generated by conjugation with ligands that bind overexpressed or mutant cell surface receptors on target cells that are poorly or not even expressed on normal cells. Receptor-mediated endocytosis of the NPs occurs and the drug is released inside the cell or in the surrounding tissue due to the bystander effect. Antibodies are the most frequently used ligands to actively target tumor cells. In this context, antibody-based therapies have been extensively used in HER2+ breast cancer. However, some patients inherently display resistance and in advanced stages, almost all eventually progress. Functionalized NPs through conjugation with antibodies appear to be a promising strategy to optimize targeted therapies due to properties related to biocompatibility, suitable delivery control and efficiency of functionalization. This review is focused on the different strategies to conjugate antibodies into polymeric NPs. Recent antibody conjugation approaches applied to the improvement of breast cancer therapy are highlighted in this review.
Insights
Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for targeted cancer therapy, especially for HER2+ breast cancer. This review explores methods for attaching antibodies to nanoparticles to improve drug delivery and overcome treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) are advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) for cancer identification and treatment.
- Active targeting NPs utilize ligands to bind specific cell surface receptors, enabling receptor-mediated endocytosis and drug release.
- Antibodies are common ligands for active targeting, particularly in HER2+ breast cancer, but resistance remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for conjugating antibodies onto polymeric nanoparticles for enhanced cancer therapy.
- To highlight recent advancements in antibody conjugation for improving breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Focus on various strategies for conjugating antibodies to polymeric nanoparticles.
- Review of recent antibody conjugation approaches in the context of breast cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Functionalized NPs offer biocompatibility, controlled delivery, and efficient functionalization for targeted therapies.
- Antibody-conjugated NPs show potential in optimizing targeted drug delivery for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Antibody-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles represent a promising approach to enhance targeted cancer therapies.
- Further research into antibody conjugation strategies can help overcome resistance and improve efficacy in breast cancer treatment.
