Peptides are emerging as a promising new class of therapeutics for cancer treatment, offering several advantages over traditional methods like chemotherapy. Here's a glimpse into the world of peptide-based cancer treatment:
Types of peptides used:
- Tumor-homing peptides: These bind to specific receptors on cancer cells, acting as delivery vehicles for cytotoxic drugs, nanoparticles, or other therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. (1)
- Antagonist peptides: These target and block cancer-related receptors like hormone receptors or PD-L1, inhibiting their signaling pathways and halting tumor growth. (2)
- Pro-apoptotic peptides: These triggers programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells, directly attacking their survival mechanisms. (3)
- Immune-stimulating peptides: These activate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, boosting the body's natural defenses. (4)
Examples of approved and investigated peptides:
- Octreotide, leuprolide, and goserelin: These are hormone analogs used to treat prostate and breast cancers by blocking hormone receptors.
- Liraglutide and dulaglutide: These are diabetes drugs, but research suggests they may have anti-tumor properties.
- Cilengitide: This peptide is being investigated for its ability to target and deliver drugs to brain tumors.
- BLZ-100: This peptide vaccine is being tested for its ability to stimulate the immune system against melanoma.
Benefits of using peptides:
- High specificity: Can target cancer cells directly, minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
- Fewer side effects: Generally better tolerated than traditional cancer treatments.
- Versatility: Can be used in various ways, including drug delivery, immune stimulation, and direct tumor targeting.
- Rapid development: Can be synthesized quickly and efficiently compared to other drugs.
Challenges and limitations:
- Stability: Some peptides can be degraded quickly in the body, requiring modifications for longer half-life.
- Delivery: Efficient delivery to the target site remains a challenge for some peptides.
- Cost: Production and purification of peptides can be expensive.
Reference
1. A Gautam, et al, Tumor homing peptides as molecular probes for cancer therapeutics, diagnostics and theranostics, Curr Med Chem. 2014;21(21):2367-91
2. Maedeh Bejari et al, Vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist peptides inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer through repression of c-src and STAT3 genes Mol Biol Rep. 2023 Nov;50(11):9213-9219.
3. Kyoung Ah Min et al, Pro-apoptotic peptides-based cancer therapies: challenges and strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy, Arch Pharm Res. 2018 Jun;41(6):594-616.
4. Inka Brockhausen et al, Mucins as anti-cancer targets: perspectives of the glycobiologist, Glycoconj J. 2021 Aug;38(4):459-474.
5. Júlia M Tatsch et al, Dulaglutide as a demethylating agent to improve the outcome of breast cancer, Epigenomics. 2023 Dec;15(24):1309-1322.
6. Jay S Desgrosellier et al, Integrins in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities, Nat Rev Cancer. 2010 Jan;10(1):9-22.
7. Miko Yamada et al, A first-in-human study of BLZ-100 (tozuleristide) demonstrates tolerability and safety in skin cancer patients, Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2021 Aug 4:23:100830.
8. Michael E Gillogly et al, Ii-Key/HER-2/neu MHC class-II antigenic epitope vaccine peptide for breast cancer, Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2004 Jun;53(6):490-6.
9. Keith L Knutson et al, Immunization of cancer patients with a HER-2/neu, HLA-A2 peptide, p369-377, results in short-lived peptide-specific immunity, Clin Cancer Res. 2002 May;8(5):1014-8.
10. Nicole Beauchemin et al, Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) in cancer progression and metastasis, Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2013 Dec;32(3-4):643-71
