How are Cell Surface Receptors Targeted in Cancer Therapy?
Targeting cell surface receptors has become a cornerstone of modern cancer therapy. Therapeutic strategies include:
- [Monoclonal Antibodies](): These antibodies specifically bind to receptors like HER2 and EGFR, blocking their signaling pathways and marking cancer cells for destruction by the immune system. - [Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)](): Small molecules that inhibit the kinase activity of receptors such as EGFR and VEGFR, thereby preventing downstream signaling and tumor growth. - [Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors](): Drugs that block immune checkpoints like PD-1/PD-L1, restoring the ability of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. - [Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)](): These are monoclonal antibodies linked to cytotoxic drugs. They selectively deliver the drug to cancer cells expressing the target receptor, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
