Which Peptides May Be Used While Fighting Cancer?

Which peptides are used in cancer treatment?

Several peptides are currently used or under investigation for treating cancer, and one of those peptides is the Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-a). TNF-a is used as an adjuvant reagent in cancer therapy for some types of cancers, but not all because of its toxicity and ability to be an endogenous tumor promoter. TNF-a is a protein that plays an essential role in the immune system’s inflammatory response to infections, but it can induce tumor regression in high concentrations.

In addition to TNF-a, several other peptides are being investigated for cancer treatment.

Bombesin peptides

These peptides target specific receptors on cancer cells, which could be useful for directing chemotherapy drugs only to cancer cells and leaving healthy cells intact. ¹

Cyclic peptide libraries

Researchers are using cyclic peptide libraries to develop new therapies because they can be easily modified and synthesized to target particular receptors or enzymes present in tumor cells. ²

Exenatide

Originally used as a treatment for diabetes, this peptide is being investigated for its ability to slow the growth of certain pancreatic cancers. ³

GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

This peptide has been found to potentially inhibit the growth of cancer cells in cases of bladder cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer. ⁴

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) peptides

Known as a promising means of targeted chemotherapy delivery for certain cancers by attaching specific antigens or radioisotopes directly targeting cancer cells through LHRH receptors located mainly on tumor cells. ⁵

Peptides hold promise for developing new treatments against cancers through their ability to target specific receptors on cell surfaces and modulate several biological pathways involved in disease progressions, like angiogenesis or cell proliferation. However, it is essential to remember that research into these therapeutic agents is ongoing, with many challenges faced before they reach clinical practice.

Benefits of peptide therapy in cancer treatment

Peptide therapy may be used to combat cancer cells because peptides could be used as a cytotoxic agent through a number of mechanisms, or they can act as a carrier of cytotoxic agents and radioisotopes by specifically targeting cancer cells.⁶

Currently, peptide-based cancer vaccines are being studied. These vaccines work by combining an anticancer peptide with a nonpeptidic cytotoxic drug or combining immunotherapy with conventional therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an important treatment for somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive tumors because it has been shown to improve the quality of life in cancer patients by improving appetite, general well-being, Karnofsky score, and weight. Side effects of this treatment are typically mild.⁷

Challenges in the use of peptides in cancer treatment

As discussed earlier in this article, there is limited research on peptide therapy for cancer treatment. Although existing studies show promise for peptides in cancer treatment, more research is needed.

Peptide therapy is generally safe as long as you are under the supervision of a medical professional. However, there are side effects associated with peptide therapy.

Side effects of peptide therapy include:

• Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling.
• Cardiovascular side effects: Peptides that affect blood pressure and heart function may cause cardiovascular side effects such as hypertension, palpitations, and tachycardia.
• Cognitive side effects: Peptides affecting the central nervous system may cause cognitive side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
• Gastrointestinal side effects: Peptides affecting the digestive system may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Peptide therapy for cancer treatment requires a personalized treatment plan. For example, personalized peptide vaccines are developed from a patient’s own tumor cells and blood. They can be used in colorectal or pancreatic cancer patients that have spread to other parts of the body.

Conclusion

Peptides may be used to treat cancer and help improve the quality of life in cancer patients. Peptide therapy for cancer treatment comes in the form of peptide-based cancer vaccines, combinations of an anticancer peptide and a nonpeptidic cytotoxic drug, or a combination of immunotherapy with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Some of the peptides currently used or being investigated for use in cancer treatment include:

• Bombesin peptides
• Cyclic peptide libraries
• Exenatide
• GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone)

• GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)
• LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone)
• TNF-a (tumor necrosis factor-alpha)

Peptide therapy has a bright and promising future in cancer treatment. It is often more well-tolerated than traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, and it can be combined with traditional treatments to enhance their effectiveness. More research is needed to better understand the role and effectiveness of peptide therapy for cancer treatment, but research is ongoing, and the field is expanding.

Some peptide products are available over the counter and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Although it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands and start a peptide treatment on your own, it is vital that you only use peptides recommended by a doctor and only at the approved dose and frequency of treatment.