Aptamer‑based therapy for targeting key mediators of cancer metastasis (Review)

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, despite advances in treatment.
• Metastasis involves complex, sequential steps regulated by intracellular factors and tumor microenvironment interactions.
• Aptamer-based therapeutics present a novel and promising strategy to combat cancer metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in aptamer-based therapeutics targeting cancer metastasis mediators.
• To discuss opportunities for developing novel aptamer-based antimetastatic treatments.

Main Methods:

• Oligonucleotide and peptide aptamers, short nucleic acid or amino acid sequences, are designed for high target specificity.
• Aptamers exert antimetastatic effects by directly interacting with cancer cell signaling pathways or tumor microenvironment communications.
• Aptamers serve as guiding ligands for targeted delivery of therapeutic moieties to cancer cells or the microenvironment.

Main Results:

• Aptamers demonstrate high specificity in recognizing and interacting with their intended targets.
• Aptamer-based therapeutics can modulate intracellular signaling pathways crucial for metastasis.
• Aptamers facilitate targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Aptamer-based therapeutics hold significant potential as a novel strategy against cancer metastasis.
• Further research into aptamer development can lead to innovative antimetastatic treatments.
• Targeting metastasis mediators with aptamers offers a promising avenue for improving cancer patient outcomes.