INTEGRINS - CELL-ADHESION MOLECULES IN CANCER

The metastatic process is the major cause of mortality in cancer patie nts. Metastasis involves tumour cell adhesion to other cells and extra cellular matrix glycoproteins, and eventual invasion through basement membranes. Such interactions may be mediated by a great variety of cel l surface biomolecules, including integrins. The development of integr in antagonists offers a promising strategy to inhibit metastasis. Pote ntial integrin-based therapeutics include synthetic peptides that have been modified via cyclisation, or inclusion of all-D amino acids, as well as a variety of organic molecules. Issues of specificity have bee n addressed and ligands that bind to only one particular integrin have been isolated. Improved bioavailability appears to be the next area f or consideration to create efficient delivery of potential antimetasta tic compounds.