Selective activation of anticancer prodrugs by monoclonal antibody-enzyme conjugates

Several recent reports have demonstrated that anticancer drugs can be generated site-selectively at solid tumors by monoclonal antibody-enzyme conjugates targeted to antigens on tumor cell surfaces. The first step in the drug targeting approach involves the delivery of the enzyme conjugate to a tumor cell population. After the conjugated has localized within the tumor and cleared from non-target tissues, a relatively non-cytotoxic drug precursor (prodrug) is administrated. Upon contact with the targeted enzyme, the produg is converted into a toxic drug