A Nature Inspired Approach for Enhancing the Efficacy of Anticancer Agents

Author

Wabel Albusairi, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Dissertation - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences

First Advisor

Mamoun M. Alhamadsheh, Ph.D.

First Committee Member

Miki S. Park, Ph.D.

Second Committee Member

Melanie Felmlee, Ph.D.

Third Committee Member

Roshanak Rahimian, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Fourth Committee Member

Qinliang Zhao, Ph.D.

Abstract

Ligand-targeted therapeutics are a rapidly growing class of anticancer agents. This class of therapeutics is typically bifunctional molecules that use a targeting moiety to selectively deliver potent, typically nonspecific, cytotoxic agents to cancer cells while sparing normal cells. The low-molecular-weight of ligant-targeted therapeutics allows for better tumor penetration, especially in the case of solid tumors where the size of antibodies is a limiting factor for effective treatment. Unfortunately, the poor pharmacokinetic profiles of many of these conjugates present a challenge, which limits their tremendous therapeutic potential. Dose-limiting toxicity is also observed due to the need for high doses and frequent administration. This dissertation describes our work to develop a fundamentally new approach for targeting cancer. Our approach could potentially reduce the toxicity and enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of targeted anticancer agents, which would decrease dosing frequency and improve the lives of cancer patients.

Pages

224

Recommended Citation

Albusairi, Wabel. (2017). A Nature Inspired Approach for Enhancing the Efficacy of Anticancer Agents. University of the Pacific, Dissertation - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/4222