Photochemical internalization of epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted drugs
Year: 2009
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Lack of specificity of anticancer drug treatments represents a major limitation for cancer cure. Thus, novel strategies are required to increase the selectivity of cancer therapeutics. Adverse effects can be reduced by drug delivery systems which decrease uptake in normal cells and target the drug to the cancer cells. This can be achieved by linking the drug to a carrier, i.e. an antibody or ligand which specifically recognizes cancer cells. In addition, limited penetration through the plasma membrane is a major obstacle for macromolecular therapy and a modality for cytosolic drug delivery is therefore warranted. \nThe present thesis concerns epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting toxins delivered by photochemical internalization (PCI) as a possible modality for selective treatment of cancer. It was found that PCI of EGFR targeting toxins exerts a 3-fold selectivity towards cancer cells: (i) the photosensitizer is preferentially retained in tumour tissues, (ii) the light is directed only to the tumour area and (iii) utilization of an anticancer drug which targets EGFR positive cancer cells. Studies on protein signal transduction revealed, however, possible interactions between the EGFR targeting drugs and photochemical reactions and the method therefore needs to be optimized with respect to the targeting moiety as well as the treatment protocol.
Author: Anette Weyergang
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2408577034