Tumor targeting: Activation of prodrugs by enzyme-monoclonal antibody conjugates

Abstract

Selective delivery of lethal levels of drugs to tumors, without concomitant damage to normal tissues, is a major challenge in cancer chemotherapy. Prodrugs used in conjunction with enzyme-monoclonal antibody conjugates that can target tumors and convert prodrugs to their active drug forms in situ, offer exceptional promise in achieving this objective. Synthesis of prodrugs, acquisition of appropriate enzymes and monoclonal antibodies, and manufacture of conjugates afford considerable flexibility in experimental design.