Polypeptide-Drug Conjugates for Oncology (OncoPDCs)

OncoPDCs represent a new platform of cancer treatment modalities, consisting of temperature-responsive intrinsically disordered domains, cancer cell receptor-binding sequences, and highly potent cytotoxic agents. In the presence of body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma, OncoPDCs self-assemble into water insoluble aggregates with extended retention properties triggered by body temperature. These OncoPDCs are designed for direct implantation into hard-to-reach solid tumors, such as those found in the brain and pancreas, using image-guided convection-enhanced delivery (CED) and percutaneous injection, respectively. By concentrating cytotoxic payloads within tumor tissues and ultimately within cancer cells, OncoPDCs enable targeted, localized, and prolonged drug release at the tumor site, optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.