ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN-MEDIATED TARGETING OF ANTICANCER DRUGS TO TUMOR-CELLS IN-VITRO

An oncofetal protein, human alpha-fetoprotein, was selected as a vecto r molecule for targeted delivery of antitumor substances. Conjugates o f alpha-fetoprotein with doxorubicin, daunomycin, calichemicin, carbox yphosphamide, bleomycetin, cis-platinum, and chlorbutin, methotrexate were synthesized. All conjugates displayed a highly selective antitumo r cytotoxic activity towards human cell cultures. The optimal alpha-fe toprotein:cytotoxic compound ratio was shown to-be 1:3-1:5. The result s obtained serve as a basis for creating antitumor preparations of a n ew generation, which are highly selective to tumor cells owing to rece ptor-mediated endocytosis.