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Nanobodies Enhancing Cancer Visualization, Diagnosis and Therapeutics
Dhaneshree Bestinee Naidoo1, Anil Amichund Chuturgoon1
1Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4013, South Africa.
Abstract:
Worldwide, cancer is a serious health concern due to the increasing rates of incidence and mortality. Conventional cancer imaging, diagnosis and treatment practices continue to substantially contribute to the fight against cancer. However, these practices do have some risks, adverse effects and limitations, which can affect patient outcomes. Although antibodies have been developed, successfully used and proven beneficial in various oncology practices, the use of antibodies also comes with certain challenges and limitations (large in size, poor tumor penetration, high immunogenicity and a long half-life). Therefore, it is vital to develop new ways to visualize, diagnose and treat cancer. Nanobodies are novel antigen-binding fragments that possess many advantageous properties (small in size, low immunogenicity and a short half-life). Thus, the use of nanobodies in cancer practices may overcome the challenges experienced with using traditional antibodies. In this review, we discuss (1) the challenges with antibody usage and the superior qualities of nanobodies; (2) the use of antibodies and nanobodies in cancer imaging, diagnosis, drug delivery and therapy (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy); and (3) the potential improvements in oncology practices due to the use of nanobodies as compared to antibodies.
Insights
Nanobodies offer advantages over traditional antibodies for cancer care. Their small size and low immunogenicity show promise for improved cancer imaging, diagnosis, and treatment, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer presents a significant global health challenge with increasing incidence and mortality.
- Conventional cancer imaging, diagnosis, and treatment methods have limitations and adverse effects.
- Traditional antibodies, while beneficial in oncology, face challenges like large size, poor tumor penetration, and high immunogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the limitations of antibody usage in cancer care.
- To highlight the advantageous properties of nanobodies compared to conventional antibodies.
- To explore the potential of nanobodies in advancing cancer imaging, diagnosis, and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of antibody and nanobody characteristics.
- Review of current applications of antibodies and nanobodies in oncology.
- Discussion of nanobody-based strategies for cancer imaging, diagnosis, and drug delivery.
- Exploration of nanobodies in various therapeutic modalities including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Nanobodies possess superior properties such as small size, low immunogenicity, and short half-life compared to antibodies.
- Nanobodies demonstrate potential to overcome limitations associated with antibody use in cancer applications.
- The review details the diverse applications of both antibodies and nanobodies across the cancer care spectrum.
Conclusions:
- Nanobodies represent a promising alternative to traditional antibodies in oncology.
- Their unique properties may lead to significant improvements in cancer visualization, diagnosis, and treatment efficacy.
- Further development and application of nanobodies could revolutionize cancer care practices.
