Novel insights into the role of aptamers in the fight against cancer

Purpose

Aptamers are a class of single-stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) oligonucleotides that are screened in vitro by a technique called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). They have stable three-dimensional structures that can bind to various targets with high affinity and specificity. Due to distinct properties such as easy synthesis, high stability, small size, low toxicity and immunogenicity, they have been largely studied as anticancer agents/tools. Consequently, aptamers are starting to play important roles in disease prevention, diagnosis and therapy. This review focuses on studies that evaluated the effect of aptamers on various aspects of cancer therapy. It also provides novel and unique insights into the role of aptamers on the fight against cancer.

Methods

We reviewed literatures about the role of aptamers against cancer from PUBMED databases in this article.

Results

Here, we summarized the role of aptamers on the fight against cancer in a unique point of view. Meanwhile, we presented novel ideas such as aptamer–pool–drug conjugates for the treatment of refractory cancers.

Conclusions

Aptamers and antibodies should form a "coalition" against cancers to maximize their advantages and minimize disadvantages.