Harnessing cellular functionality for targeted cancer therapy: advancements in cell-drug conjugates and their mechanisms of action.

Abstract

Could the next major advancement in cancer therapy stem from utilizing the body's own cells to precisely deliver potent anti-cancer agents directly to tumors? This innovative strategy, known as cell-drug conjugates (CDCs), represents a transformative approach to targeted cancer treatment by leveraging the inherent biological properties of cells. Leveraging the inherent biological properties of cells, these conjugates enable highly specific drug delivery and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Through mechanisms such as chemotaxis and immune evasion, CDCs can transport anticancer agents across biological barriers and selectively accumulate within the tumor microenvironment, facilitating precision therapy. Various cell types, including red blood cells, stem cells, and immune cells, serve as potential carriers in these systems, each possessing unique biological characteristics and antitumor ability. At present, there are few reviews on the preparation and function of CDCs in cancer therapy. This review systematically explores CDC applications in cancer therapy, including targeting mechanisms, fabrication strategies,in vivopharmacology, and clinical advancements. Furthermore, the review examines the technical challenges associated with this innovative drug delivery and therapeutic strategy, while also evaluating its potential for clinical translation.