Specific Phage-Displayed Peptides Binding to Tumor Vasculature

Tumor growth, progression and metastasis are critically dependent on blood supply, which has received increased attention as a potential target of new anticancer therapies. Antiangiogenic therapy to limit and even reverse the growth of tumors is under investigation and showing promise. Moreover, tumor vascular express specific surface proteins (“vascular zip codes”), not present in resting blood vessels of normal tissues, are suitable for targeting purposes. The specific “vascular zip codes” can be identified by screening phage-displayed peptide library in vivo. This technology is simple but powerful, providing the advantages of selectivity of action plus improved accessibility and efficacy. To date, a variety of tumor-homing peptides have been isolated in this method, and most of the peptides have been used for targeting devices to concentrate drugs and other therapeutic materials to tumors. Such a targeting strategy can decrease toxicity and increase the therapeutic efficacy of the drug.Dr.Yu Han and Dr. Liu Hong contributed equally to this study.