Glucuronides in anti-cancer therapy

Curr Med Chem Anticancer Agents. 2003 Mar;3(2):139-50. doi: 10.2174/1568011033353470.

Abstract

Glucuronide prodrugs have shown promising efficacy in anti-cancer therapy due to their increased specificity and reduced systemic toxicity. The prodrugs can be used in prodrug monotherapy (PMT), which is based on elevated tumor beta-glucuronidase activity. beta-Glucuronidase activates the low-toxic prodrugs into highly cytotoxic agents specifically in the tumor site. The specificity of the prodrugs can be further improved by combined use with monoclonal antibodies against tumor-specific antigens, namely antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT); and the potency of the prodrugs can be greatly enhanced with the incorporation of an appropriate radionuclide in the combined chemo- and radio-therapy of cancer (CCRTC) strategy. The prodrugs can also be utilized to modify liposomes for efficient delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Design
  • Glucuronidase / metabolism
  • Glucuronides / pharmacology
  • Glucuronides / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Prodrugs / chemical synthesis*
  • Prodrugs / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Glucuronides
  • Immunoconjugates
  • Prodrugs
  • Glucuronidase
  • Camptothecin