title: Polymer-protein and polymer-drug conjugates in cancer therapy.
abstract: Polymer conjugates are becoming established as a new approach towards improved cancer therapy. These water-soluble, hybrid constructs fall into two main categories: polymer-protein conjugates (already available as licensed products), and polymer-drug conjugates (currently in clinical development). Polyethyleneglycol conjugation of proteins is accepted as a means to reduce immunogenicity, prolong plasma half-life and enhance protein stability. Polymer-drug conjugation promotes tumor targeting by the 'enhanced permeation and retention' effect, and at the cellular level, allows lysosomotropic drug delivery. Eleven polymer-drug conjugates have entered clinical development and activity has already been observed in chemotherapy refractory patients. Certain compounds have also demonstrated a marked reduction in drug toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Polymer Therapeutics, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3XF, UK. ThanouM@cf.ac.uk
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thanou
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Duncan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols