Antibody Conjugated Polymeric Prodrugs the Future for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most devastating conditions affecting humans. Current drugs used in the treatment of cancers and other diseases are becoming ineffective as a result of drug resistance, occurring naturally as well as the abuse and misuse of drugs as well as issues of patient compliance to therapy due to its high toxicity. To overcome this resistance and improve the efficacy of these drugs, a selective drug delivery is essential. Such selective or targeted delivery is the use of antibody conjugated polymeric drugs in the treatment of cancers. A targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumors is believed to improve both their anti-tumor effect and safety. This review focuses on the recent cancer drug therapy such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and antibody drug conjugates as well as research on new therapies such as polymer drug conjugates and antibody conjugated polymeric prodrugs. Challenges encountered in antibody conjugated polymeric prodrugs for cancer treatment and measures to improve it such as nanosizing the delivery systems are also discussed.