Antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT): A review of the experimental and clinical considerations

Over the last decade several attempts have been made to generate an active drug from an inactive precursor; by the action of an enzyme present predomi nantly at the tumour site. The aim was to develop a new, less cytotoxic str ategy for the treatment of cancer; by exploiting properties distinguishing neoplastic and normal cells. In fact, monoclonal antibodies were used to ca rry enzymes at the tumour sites, in a two-step approach, known as Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (ADEPT). We reviewed the experimental and c linical considerations of this st,strategy and we presented its problems an d limitations. We concluded that ADEPT holds the potential of an effective and relatively non-toxic treatment of cancer and it is expected that the re search which is in progress will make ADEPT an important element of the ant icancer armament.