Aptamer:toxin conjugates that specifically target prostate tumor cells

Cancer Res. 2006 Jun 15;66(12):5989-92. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-4583.

Abstract

We have used RNA aptamer:gelonin conjugates to target and specifically destroy cells overexpressing the known cancer biomarker prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Aptamer:toxin conjugates have an IC50 of 27 nmol/L and display an increased potency of at least 600-fold relative to cells that do not express PSMA. The aptamer not only promotes uptake into target cells but also decreases the toxicity of gelonin in non-target cells. These results validate the notion that "escort aptamers" may be useful for the treatment of specific tumors expressing unique antigen targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacokinetics
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / pharmacokinetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Male
  • Plant Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Plant Proteins / pharmacokinetics
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / biosynthesis
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / genetics
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 1

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Plant Proteins
  • Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 1
  • GEL protein, Gelonium multiflorum
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen