Synthesis and in vitro characterization of semitelechelic poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-trastuzumab conjugates targeted to breast cancer.

Trastuzumab (TRZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (Her2). Semitelechelic (ST) poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-TRZ conjugates are successfully synthesized and evaluated as a potential drug delivery system that actively targets Her2-overexpressing cancer cells. The ST backbone shows favorable characteristics when conjugated to TRZ. The conjugate exhibits comparable and prolonged anticancer activity when compared to free TRZ in Her2 overexpressing breast cancer cell lines.