In vitro cytotoxicity of paclitaxel-transferrin conjugate on H69 cells

Transferrin is a serum glycoprotein involved in iron transport. Transferrin acts also in cell growth regulation through membrane receptors. The number of transferrin receptors is increased in tumor and other rapidly dividing cells. This renders transferrin suitable for use in cytotoxic drugs targetting tumor cells. Paclitaxel was derivatized on 2' carbon and coupled with trasferrin using glutaraldehyde. The cytotoxicity of the conjugate was evaluated on small cell carcinoma of the lung cell line (H69). As compared to paclitaxel, the conjugate exhibited a slight decrease in cytotoxicity.