Tumour vascular targeting

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Abstract
Proteins that are expressed on the tumour vasculature but not on the vasculature of normal tissues can be used for imaging and targeting purposes. Vascular targets include proteins expressed on the endothelial cell, such as DELTA4 or ROBO4, as well as those that are secreted into the stroma around the vessels, such as the differentially spliced isoforms of fibronectin and tenascin. Ligands for the vascular targets include antibodies and possibly certain aptamers, such as modified DNA. Delivery of a suitable bioactive molecule (toxin, cytokine, etc.) coupled to a targeting ligand can be used to eradicate solid tumours. In the longer term, it is possible that vascular targets could be used to develop a cancer vaccine.