Innovative approaches in the therapeutic application of EpCAM aptamer for targeted cancer treatment: A review

The development of targeted therapies has revolutionized cancer treatment by improving the specificity and efficacy of therapeutic options. Aptamers, short single-stranded nucleic acids, have emerged as a promising class of molecules for targeted therapy. In this manuscript, we explore the therapeutic application of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer in cancer therapy. EpCAM is overexpressed in various types of cancer and has a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. These aptamers selectively bind to the EpCAM glycoprotein on the surface of cancer cells, facilitating the targeted cellular internalization of therapeutic payloads and modulating tumor-associated signaling pathways. This review outlines recent advances in EpCAM aptamer-based strategies, focusing on their evaluation in drug-aptamer conjugates, diverse nanoparticle platforms (including lipid, polymeric, dendritic, silica, serum albumin, iron oxide, and carbon nanotube nanoparticles) for targeted delivery, clinical imaging, and cancer diagnosis. In addition, advanced therapeutic modalities such as DNA nanostructures, immunotherapy, and photothermal therapy employing EpCAM aptamers are critically discussed. Finally, we address the technical challenges, current limitations, and the clinical translation bottlenecks of this innovative platform to provide a comprehensive roadmap from bench to bedside.