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Targeting of drugs to cell surface receptors
1Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
The new approach to the treatment of cancer or to immunomodulation is drug targeting. The effort to achieve either an absolute or a relative amplification of the tumoricidal effect of anticancer drugs through increased generation or acquisition of reactive molecules at the tumor site or a reduction of the toxic molecules available to the periphery has led to a number of strategies. Among them are (1) targeting using antibodies to their fragments, hormones, carbohydrates, and growth factors; (2) retargeting using bispecific antibodies; (3) construction of chimeric genes; (4) streptavidin-biotin based immunotherapy; (5) prodrug activation strategies (ADEPT); (6) antibody-targeted superantigens; and (7) gene delivery for the purpose of gene therapy.
Insights
Drug targeting offers new cancer treatment and immunomodulation strategies. Various methods aim to amplify anticancer drug effects at tumor sites while minimizing peripheral toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug targeting is a novel strategy for cancer treatment and immunomodulation.
- The goal is to enhance anticancer drug efficacy at the tumor site or reduce systemic toxicity.
- Several strategies have been developed to achieve targeted drug delivery and action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and outline various drug targeting strategies for cancer therapy.
- To discuss methods for amplifying tumoricidal effects and reducing peripheral drug exposure.
- To categorize and describe emerging approaches in targeted cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Antibody-mediated targeting (using antibodies, fragments, hormones, carbohydrates, growth factors).
- Bispecific antibody-mediated retargeting.
- Chimeric gene construction for targeted therapy.
- Streptavidin-biotin based immunotherapy.
- Enzyme-Directed Prodrug Therapy (ADEPT).
- Antibody-targeted superantigens.
- Gene delivery for gene therapy applications.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive overview of seven distinct drug targeting strategies is presented.
- Each method aims to improve the therapeutic index of anticancer agents.
- These strategies offer potential for more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.
Conclusions:
- Drug targeting represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment and immunomodulation.
- The reviewed strategies provide diverse mechanisms to enhance tumor-specific drug activity.
- Further development and clinical application of these targeted approaches hold promise for improved patient outcomes.