Switching off CD73: a way to boost the activity of conventional and targeted antineoplastic therapies

Drug Discov Today. 2017 Nov;22(11):1686-1696. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.06.005. Epub 2017 Jul 1.

Abstract

Over the past few years, several preclinical studies have highlighted the value of CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) as a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Indeed, the pharmacological blockade of CD73, via monoclonal antibodies or small molecules, has promise in counteracting cancer development, growth and spread. Synergistic combinations of anti-CD73 drugs with conventional cancer treatments (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy) have increased therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss the potential synergistic effects of CD73 blockers and conventional antineoplastic therapies in the treatment of cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 5'-Nucleotidase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods
  • Drug Synergism
  • GPI-Linked Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • 5'-Nucleotidase
  • NT5E protein, human