Antibody-Based Immunotoxins for Colorectal Cancer Therapy

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are included among the treatment options for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, while these mAbs effectively target cancer cells, they may have limited clinical activity. A strategy to improve their therapeutic potential is arming them with a toxic payload. Immunotoxins (ITX) combining the cell-killing ability of a toxin with the specificity of a mAb constitute a promising strategy for CRC therapy. However, several important challenges in optimizing ITX remain, including suboptimal pharmacokinetics and especially the immunogenicity of the toxin moiety. Nonetheless, ongoing research is working to solve these limitations and expand CRC patients' therapeutic armory. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of targets and toxins employed in the design of ITX for CRC and highlight a wide selection of ITX tested in CRC patients as well as preclinical candidates.

Automated summary

Monoclonal antibodies are an important treatment option for advanced colorectal cancer, but their clinical activity may be limited. One promising strategy to enhance their therapeutic potential is arming them with a toxic payload in the form of immunotoxins. However, optimizing immunotoxins faces challenges such as suboptimal pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of the toxin portion. Ongoing research aims to address these limitations and expand the therapeutic arsenal for CRC patients.