Advancements in Peptide Vectors for Cancer Therapy and Tumor Imaging: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: The objective of this work is to synthesize novel peptide vectors for cancer therapy and tumor imaging. Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and the ability of cancer cells to evade programmed cell death. It poses a significant health problem globally, with increasing incidence rates observed in both industrialized and developing countries. Early detection of cancer is crucial for effective treatment, and various techniques such as observation, palpation, biopsies, and medical imaging have been employed for this purpose. However, these methods have limitations in terms of early detection, precision, and availability. Therefore, the development of new treatments and diagnostic methods is a pressing need in cancer research. This study focuses on the synthesis of peptide vectors that can serve as effective tools for cancer therapy and tumor imaging. Peptide vectors offer several advantages, including their ability to specifically target cancer cells, their potential for multivalency, and their capacity for non-viral vectorization. The research aims to design and synthesize peptide vectors that target αVβ3 integrin, a protein overexpressed in tumor cells and associated with tumor neo-angiogenesis. The vectors will incorporate the cyclodecapeptide scaffold RAFT as a structural framework and will be functionalized with the -RGD- ligand, known for its affinity to αVβ3 integrin. The incorporation of specific features such as oxime ligation and disulfide bridges will enhance the stability and functionality of the vectors. Additionally, the use of FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) will enable imaging capabilities for tumor detection. Overall, this work seeks to contribute to the advancement of cancer therapy and tumor imaging by synthesizing novel peptide vectors with targeted specificity and imaging capabilities. The successful development of these peptide vectors could potentially lead to improved early detection, targeted drug delivery, and more effective treatment strategies for cancer patients.