Chemistry: Graduate Lecture Series: (DD3) Targeted Anti-Cancer Therapeutics (2L)

DRUG DISCOVERY (DD) (I)

(DD3) Targeted Anti-Cancer Therapeutics (2L)

The targeted delivery of effector molecules into diseased tissues has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer and other serious conditions. Linking a therapeutic effector (e.g. cytotoxics, proinflammatory cytokines or radionuclides) to a ligand specific to a marker of disease results in preferential accumulation of the effector molecule at the target tissue. This offers the double benefit of increased effective concentrations at the intended site of action and low concentrations in healthy tissues, thus reducing side effects. In the course of these two lectures we will discuss strategies for the discovery of selective ligands against markers of disease, conjugation chemistry in the context of drug-delivery strategies, and examples of recently approved FDA drug conjugates for the treatment of cancer.

Postgraduates in the Department of Chemistry

Lecture

1 hour