Peptides as innovative strategies to combat drug resistance in cancer therapy
Henry Lamb, Aurélie H. Benfield, Sónia Troeira Henriques
Abstract
• The unique properties of cancer cell membranes can be utilised to target different cancer cell types. • Adaptive resistance to small molecule drugs can be overcome with peptide-drug conjugates. • Drug-resistant cancer cells upregulate signalling pathways for cell survival. • Cyclic cell permeable peptides are useful tools for entering inside cells. • Metabolic and transcription factor pathways involved in acquired drug-resistance in cancer contain PPIs targetable by peptides. Drug resistance is the leading cause of treatment failure in patients with cancer. Thus, innovative therapeutic strategies are required to overcome this critical challenge and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we examine the potential of peptide-based therapies to combat drug resistance in cancer. We highlight the unique strategies and mechanisms that can be explored by using peptides, including their ability to selectively target tumours, facilitate drug delivery into cancer cells, and inhibit key intracellular proteins that drive cancer progression and resistance. Peptides offer a promising approach to overcoming both intrinsic and adaptative cancer resistance against chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and biologics.