Therapeutic aptamers: developmental potential as anticancer drugs

BMB Rep. 2015 Apr;48(4):234-7. doi: 10.5483/bmbrep.2015.48.4.277.

Abstract

Aptamers, composed of single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that interact with target molecules through a specific three-dimensional structure, are selected from pools of combinatorial oligonucleotide libraries. With their high specificity and affinity for target proteins, ease of synthesis and modification, and low immunogenicity and toxicity, aptamers are considered to be attractive molecules for development as anticancer therapeutics. Two aptamers - one targeting nucleolin and a second targeting CXCL12 - are currently undergoing clinical trials for treating cancer patients, and many more are under study. In this mini-review, we present the current clinical status of aptamers and aptamer-based cancer therapeutics. We also discuss advantages, limitations, and prospects for aptamers as cancer therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Chemokine CXCL12 / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / chemistry
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • CXCL12 protein, human
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Oligonucleotides