Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Properties of AFPep, a Novel Peptide for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Proof-of-Concept Study of an Alpha-Fetoprotein-Derived Peptide for the Management of Canine Mammary Cancer

Novel, well-tolerated drugs are needed for the management of canine mammary cancer. Many of these cancers are promoted in their growth by estrogen. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a ubiquitous mammalian protein that has anti-estrogenic properties. AFPep (the anti-estrogenic site of AFP) has been developed into a readily synthesizable drug. AFPep has been shown to have anti-mammary cancer activity in several models of this disease, both in cell culture and in rodents. The purpose of the study reported herein was to determine the tolerability of AFPep in normal and tumor-bearing dogs. AFPep was given to dogs via both parenteral and oral routes in a single application and in repeated daily doses. Full clinical chemistry and hematology values were determined before and after drug administration. Blood levels of the drug were achieved in dogs that had been previously found to be oncostatic in rodents. No changes in clinical chemistry, hematology, and clinical behaviors were found in dogs following drug administration. The data support the further development of AFPep for clinical use against canine mammary cancer.

Use of anticancer peptides as an alternative approach for targeted therapy in breast cancer: a review

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Traditional therapies are expensive and cause severe side effects. Targeted therapy is a powerful method to circumvent the problems of other therapies. It also allows drugs to localize at predefined targets in a selective manner. Currently, there are several monoclonal antibodies which target breast cancer cell surface markers. However, using antibodies has some limitations. In the last two decades, many investigators have discovered peptides that may be useful to target breast cancer cells. In this article, we provide an overview on anti-breast cancer peptides, their sources and biological activities. We further discuss the pros and cons of using anticancer peptides with further emphasis on how to improve their effectiveness in cancer therapy.