Delta-opioid receptor targeted agent for molecular imaging and immunotherapy of cancer

Abstract

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to cancer therapy and to anticancer compounds and imaging agents. More specifically, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to agents that target DOR and their use in the treatment of cancer.

1 . A compound comprising at least one delta-opioid receptor ligand conjugated to an anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor antibody, a PD-L1 antagonist antibody, a CD137 agonist antibody, a OX40 agonist antibody, or CD40 agonist antibody, wherein the delta opioid receptor ligand is 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         2 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of treating cancers expressing delta opioid receptors in a subject, comprising: administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the cancer is lung cancer. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the lung cancer is small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. 
     
     
         12 . A method of decreasing peritoneal metastasis formation in cancers expressing delta opioid receptors in a subject, comprising: administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the metastasis is distal metastasis.