Targeted osteosarcoma therapy

Osteosarcoma is a common and deadly cancer among children globally. Current treatments often fail to produce effective results. This project aimed to develop a triptolide-aptamer conjugate as a potential anti-cancer agent, where Triptolide showed high sensitivity to osteosarcoma. Research focused on enhancing its target specificity and reducing hepatotoxicity by using aptamers. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind targets with high affinity and selectivity, useful for delivering therapeutic agents. Researchers identified aptamer LC6, which targeted osteosarcoma cells but not hepatocytes or peripheral blood cells. The team collaborated on developing the LC6-triptolide conjugate, from defining its structure to controlling its release at the target site. They conducted a biological screening programme using a xenograft osteosarcoma mouse model to test tissue distribution, cell selectivity, anti-tumour activity, and hepatotoxicity. Their laboratory aimed to create a novel LC6-triptolide conjugate and establish an approach for developing targeted therapeutics.