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From oncolytic peptides to oncolytic polymers: A new paradigm for oncotherapy
Hanmeng Liu1, Wei Shen1,2,3, Wanguo Liu4
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
Abstract:
Traditional cancer therapy methods, especially those directed against specific intracellular targets or signaling pathways, are not powerful enough to overcome tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Oncolytic peptides that can induce membrane lysis-mediated cancer cell death and subsequent anticancer immune responses, has provided a new paradigm for cancer therapy. However, the clinical application of oncolytic peptides is always limited by some factors such as unsatisfactory bio-distribution, poor stability, and off-target toxicity. To overcome these limitations, oncolytic polymers stand out as prospective therapeutic materials owing to their high stability, chemical versatility, and scalable production capacity, which has the potential to drive a revolution in cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of the mechanism and structure-activity relationship of oncolytic peptides. Then the oncolytic peptides-mediated combination therapy and the nano-delivery strategies for oncolytic peptides are summarized. Emphatically, the current research progress of oncolytic polymers has been highlighted. Lastly, the challenges and prospects in the development of oncolytic polymers are discussed.
Insights
Oncolytic peptides offer a new cancer therapy approach but face limitations. Oncolytic polymers show promise as stable, versatile alternatives for improved cancer treatment and immune response.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Immunology
Background:
- Traditional cancer therapies struggle with tumor heterogeneity and resistance.
- Oncolytic peptides induce cancer cell death and immune responses but have clinical limitations.
- Oncolytic polymers offer enhanced stability, versatility, and scalability for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and structure-activity relationships of oncolytic peptides.
- To summarize combination therapies and nano-delivery strategies for oncolytic peptides.
- To highlight the progress, challenges, and prospects of oncolytic polymers in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oncolytic peptides and polymers.
- Analysis of structure-activity relationships and therapeutic mechanisms.
- Summary of combination therapy and nano-delivery approaches.
Main Results:
- Oncolytic peptides show potential but are limited by stability and delivery.
- Oncolytic polymers present a promising alternative with improved characteristics.
- Current research focuses on overcoming oncolytic peptide limitations with polymer-based strategies.
Conclusions:
- Oncolytic polymers represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy development.
- Further research into oncolytic polymers is crucial for clinical translation.
- Oncolytic polymers have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms.
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