Topic Editors

Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju 660-702, Republic of Korea
Prof. Dr. Yaewon Yang
Divison of Hemato-oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
Prof. Dr. Seil Go
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Changwon 51472, Republic of Korea

Antibody-Mediated Therapy and Other Emerging Therapies in Cancer Treatment

Abstract submission deadline
31 October 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 December 2026
Viewed by
12418

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in antibody-mediated therapy have significantly improved its therapeutic efficacy in many types of cancer. Antibody-mediated therapy includes the following:

  1. Monoclonal antibodies against specific targets associated with cancer cell survival, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance;
  2. Monoclonal antibodies against specific targets that are relatively highly expressed in cancer cells or are cancer-specific, regardless of cancer cell survival progression, metastasis, or drug resistance;
  3. Monoclonal antibodies against specific targets in cancer cells or normal cells that modulate the tumor microenvironment, especially immune systems;
  4. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are complex molecules consisting of antibodies conjugated to biologically active cancer cell-killing substances.

These antibody-mediated therapies have been widely used as combination therapies due to their synergistic effects with cytotoxic anticancer drugs. Eventually, ADCs, complex molecules consisting of antibodies and cytotoxic substances, were developed to improve treatment outcomes. However, the side effects of ADCs are very serious, requiring careful monitoring during treatment. Therefore, this Topic was prepared to deeply examine the efficacy, related mechanisms, and toxicities of the latest antibody-related therapies or other novel therapies for each cancer.

Scope of the Topic

  1. Monoclonal antibodies as monotherapy, as antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), or in combination with other drugs in cancer treatment:
  2. Efficacy, mechanism of action, and treatment guidelines;
  3. Predictive/prognostic biomarkers;
  4. Toxicity and management.
  5. Other emerging therapies in cancer treatment (CAR-T cell therapy, NK or other cell therapies, oncolytic virus therapy, cancer vaccines, targeted therapy, etc.). 

Dr. Won Sup Lee
Prof. Dr. Yaewon Yang
Prof. Dr. Seil Go
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • antibody-mediated therapy
  • monoclonal antibodies
  • antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
  • cancer treatment
  • emerging therapies

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Antibodies
antibodies
2.7 4.9 2012 19.5 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Cancers
cancers
4.4 9.0 2009 19.1 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
cimb
3.0 5.0 1999 16.3 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Current Oncology
curroncol
3.4 6.1 1994 22.8 Days CHF 2200 Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
4.9 10.0 2000 17.8 Days CHF 2900 Submit
International Journal of Translational Medicine
ijtm
- 2.8 2021 28.2 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Scientia Pharmaceutica
scipharm
2.5 5.3 1930 22.8 Days CHF 1000 Submit

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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25 pages, 3939 KB  
Review
From Single Cells to Silicon: Emerging Technologies Transforming Monoclonal Antibody Discovery
by Victoria Sherwood, Denise Harold, Richard O’Kennedy, Christine Loscher and Paul Leonard
Antibodies 2026, 15(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib15030047 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 148
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery has been transformed by advances in single-cell technologies, microfluidics, high-throughput sequencing, and computational design. Modern platforms enable the interrogation of large numbers of individual B cells, directly linking antibody sequence with antigen specificity and functional activity. Microfluidic and optofluidic [...] Read more.
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery has been transformed by advances in single-cell technologies, microfluidics, high-throughput sequencing, and computational design. Modern platforms enable the interrogation of large numbers of individual B cells, directly linking antibody sequence with antigen specificity and functional activity. Microfluidic and optofluidic systems now support high-throughput compartmentalisation and functional screening of antibody-secreting cells, while sequencing-based approaches allow parallel recovery of paired heavy- and light-chain sequences. These developments have shifted antibody discovery from binding-based selection toward function-first paradigms, enabling the rapid identification of diagnostic and therapeutically relevant antibodies. Integration with computational tools, including machine learning and structure-based modelling, has further enabled the emergence of closed-loop discovery pipelines, in which experimental and in silico methods iteratively refine candidates. This review summarises key advances in single-cell microtools over the last decade and highlights how the convergence of experimental and computational technologies is reshaping antibody discovery toward scalable, data-driven, and increasingly automated platforms. Full article
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12 pages, 3056 KB  
Article
Development of Highly Sensitive and Specific Monoclonal Antibodies Against Glypican-1 Using the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening Technology
by Haruto Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Tomohiro Tanaka, Mika K. Kaneko and Yukinari Kato
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2026, 6(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm6020018 - 25 Apr 2026
Viewed by 546
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Glypican-1 (GPC1) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that plays a critical role in regulating various signaling pathways and tumor development. Overexpression of GPC1 promotes tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness, and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, anti-GPC1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Glypican-1 (GPC1) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that plays a critical role in regulating various signaling pathways and tumor development. Overexpression of GPC1 promotes tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness, and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, anti-GPC1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed in various modalities for tumor therapy. Methods: We developed novel anti-GPC1 mAbs using a flow cytometry-based high-throughput screening approach, the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method. Results: A clone G1Mab-28 (IgG1, κ) reacted with GPC1-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO/GPC1), but not parental CHO-K1, in flow cytometry. Furthermore, G1Mab-28 recognizes the endogenous GPC1-expressing human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma KYSE770 cell line. Furthermore, G1Mab-28 specifically recognized only CHO/GPC1, but not the other GPC family-overexpressed CHO-K1. The dissociation constant values of G1Mab-28 for CHO/GPC1 and KYSE770 were determined to be 3.3 × 10−8 M and 4.6 × 10−9 M, respectively. Moreover, G1Mab-28 is suitable for Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Conclusions: G1Mab-28, established by the CBIS method, is versatile for basic research and is expected to contribute to antibody-based tumor therapy. Full article
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15 pages, 12077 KB  
Article
Development of a Human IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Transferrin Receptor 1 for Antitumor Drug Delivery
by Tingting Ji, Zhaoyun Zong, Ningyuan Gong, Minghui Yan and Shiyu Chen
Antibodies 2026, 15(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib15020034 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 801
Abstract
Background: Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TfR1) plays a central role in cellular iron uptake and is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumor cells, rendering it an attractive target for tumor-directed therapy and drug delivery. Methods: A fully human single-chain variable fragment (scFv) [...] Read more.
Background: Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TfR1) plays a central role in cellular iron uptake and is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumor cells, rendering it an attractive target for tumor-directed therapy and drug delivery. Methods: A fully human single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody targeting TfR1, termed T8scFv, was isolated from a human scFv phage display library through three rounds of stringent biopanning and subsequently reformatted into a full-length IgG1 antibody (T8IgG1). Binding kinetics were characterized using Octet biolayer interferometry (BLI), while cellular binding and internalization were assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. T8IgG1 was further conjugated to DT3C, a recombinant truncated diphtheria toxin fusion protein, to evaluate its internalization-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro. Results: T8scFv exhibited nanomolar affinity for TfR1 (KD = 214 ± 1 nM), which was substantially enhanced following conversion to the IgG1 format (T8IgG1, KD = 18.5 ± 0.1 nM). T8IgG1 specifically recognized TfR1 on the surface of tumor cells and underwent efficient TfR1-mediated internalization. The T8IgG1-DT3C complex significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in K562 cells in vitro. Conclusions: These findings indicate that T8IgG1 is a moderate-affinity, internalizing anti-TfR1 antibody and highlight its potential as a promising candidate for TfR1-based targeted antitumor drug delivery systems. Full article
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12 pages, 1198 KB  
Case Report
Monoclonal Antibodies in Pregnancy of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Friend or Foe? A Case Report of a Patient with Multiple Pregnancies
by Chiara Orlandi, Angela Tincani, Micaela Fredi, Laura Andreoli, Francesca Crisafulli, Liala Moschetti, Cecilia Nalli, Maria Grazia Lazzaroni, Marco Taglietti, Matteo Filippini, Sonia Zatti, Laura Picciau, Franco Franceschini and Ilaria Cavazzana
Antibodies 2026, 15(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib15020032 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 651
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that predominantly affects women of childbearing age, and active disease during pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Belimumab is an effective biologic therapy for active SLE; however, its use during pregnancy has [...] Read more.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that predominantly affects women of childbearing age, and active disease during pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Belimumab is an effective biologic therapy for active SLE; however, its use during pregnancy has long been limited by the scarcity of safety data. Recent evidence and updated international recommendations suggest that belimumab may be considered in selected cases when required to maintain maternal disease control. We report the case of a woman with SLE who experienced three consecutive pregnancies with live births between 2019 and 2024 while receiving belimumab, allowing an intra-individual comparison of different exposure strategies. During the first pregnancy, belimumab was discontinued at conception and was followed by a disease flare in late pregnancy and postpartum. In the second and third pregnancies, belimumab was continued until gestational week 20 following shared decision-making with the patient; nevertheless, disease flares occurred during the third trimester of both pregnancies. All pregnancies resulted in live births at term, with no congenital anomalies, placental insufficiency, or fetal growth restriction. One neonate from the third pregnancy developed early-onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis, which resolved completely after antibiotic treatment. All children are currently growing and developing normally. This case supports a risk-adapted approach to belimumab use during pregnancy. In selected women with SLE at high risk of disease reactivation, continuation of belimumab until mid-gestation may contribute to improved maternal disease control without evident adverse fetal outcomes. Full article
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16 pages, 2670 KB  
Article
Antitumor Activities of Chimeric Anti-EphA2 Antibodies in Xenograft Models of Breast, Pancreatic, and Colorectal Cancers
by Guanjie Li, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Tomokazu Ohishi, Hiroyuki Satofuka, Kenichiro Ishikawa, Kai Shimizu, Airi Nomura, Haruto Araki, Naoki Kojo, Kaito Suzuki, Saori Handa, Takuro Nakamura, Miyuki Yanaka, Tomohiro Tanaka, Mika K. Kaneko and Yukinari Kato
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073221 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 618
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) has emerged as a key mediator that promotes tumor malignant progression. EphA2 overexpression and its non-canonical signaling lead to oncogenic transformation, metabolic reprogramming, resistance to treatments, and metastasis. Therefore, strategies targeting EphA2 have been evaluated in clinical trials. [...] Read more.
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) has emerged as a key mediator that promotes tumor malignant progression. EphA2 overexpression and its non-canonical signaling lead to oncogenic transformation, metabolic reprogramming, resistance to treatments, and metastasis. Therefore, strategies targeting EphA2 have been evaluated in clinical trials. However, the clinical effects were not sufficient. An anti-EphA2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), Ea2Mab-7 (mouse IgG1, κ), demonstrated high affinity and specificity among Eph receptors. In this study, we produced recombinant class-switched Ea2Mab-7 variants, including Ea2Mab-7-mG2a (mouse IgG2a) and Ea2Mab-7-hG1 (human IgG1). Both Ea2Mab-7-mG2a and Ea2Mab-7-hG1 recognized human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231, pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2, and colorectal cancer HCT-15 in flow cytometry. Furthermore, both Ea2Mab-7-mG2a and Ea2Mab-7-hG1 exerted significant antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity against these tumors. In mouse xenograft models of breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, both mAbs demonstrated antitumor activity. These results indicate the potential of Ea2Mab-7 variants for the treatment of EphA2-positive cancers. Full article
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13 pages, 1539 KB  
Article
Camelid-Derived Nanobodies Targeting Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: Screening, Expression, and Functional Validation
by Yunfeng Liu, Qiting Huang, Dongna Zhang, Yingjun Wang, Shuaiying Zhao, Jianchuan Wen, Yingying Kong and Jianfeng Xu
Antibodies 2026, 15(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib15020019 - 24 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1025
Abstract
Objectives: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a clinically relevant membrane receptor that is frequently overexpressed or dysregulated in multiple types of cancer, making it an important target for antibody-based strategies. Nanobodies, derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies, possess favorable properties such as [...] Read more.
Objectives: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a clinically relevant membrane receptor that is frequently overexpressed or dysregulated in multiple types of cancer, making it an important target for antibody-based strategies. Nanobodies, derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies, possess favorable properties such as small size, high stability, and strong antigen-binding capacity. This study aimed to generate EGFR-specific nanobodies and to systematically characterize their binding properties and initial functional activity. Methodology: Bactrian camels were immunized with a whole-cell antigen prepared from 293F cells transiently transfected to express full-length human EGFR. A high-diversity phage display nanobody library was constructed from peripheral blood lymphocytes. After two rounds of biopanning against EGFR, positive clones were screened and selected. The identified nanobodies were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Binding specificity, epitope relationships, and kinetic parameters were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), bio-layer interferometry (Octet), and flow cytometry. The effect of selected nanobodies on EGF-induced cell proliferation was evaluated using a CCK-8 assay. Results: Two EGFR-specific nanobodies, Nb2H4 and Nb2B6, were successfully isolated. Both nanobodies exhibited specific binding to EGFR and recognized distinct, non-competing epitopes. Kinetic analyses revealed favorable binding affinities, and flow cytometry confirmed their ability to recognize EGFR in its native cellular context. In addition, Nb2H4 significantly suppressed EGF-induced proliferation in an EGFR-overexpression cell model, indicating preliminary functional activity. Conclusions: This study reports on the successful generation and in vitro characterization of EGFR-targeting nanobodies based on the extracellular domain of EGFR. The identified nanobodies provide useful molecular tools for epitope mapping, structural studies, and the further exploration of EGFR-directed antibody engineering strategies. Full article
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21 pages, 3116 KB  
Review
The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Tumor Microenvironment and Their Impact on Ovarian Cancer Survival and Therapy
by Alena A. McQuarter, Joseph Cruz, Celina R. Yamauchi, Mariem Chouchen, Cody S. Carter, Tonya J. Webb and Salma Khan
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33010059 - 19 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, mainly because it is often diagnosed late and resists standard treatments. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a major role in disease progression and therapy failure. Two key components of the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated [...] Read more.
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, mainly because it is often diagnosed late and resists standard treatments. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a major role in disease progression and therapy failure. Two key components of the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), create conditions that facilitate tumor growth and immune evasion. CAFs are highly diverse and originate from sources like fibroblasts and stem cells. They support cancer by remodeling the extracellular matrix, promoting angiogenesis, and releasing cytokines and growth factors that aid tumor survival. TAMs, which are usually in an M2 state, also promote metastasis and suppress immune responses by secreting immunosuppressive molecules. Together, CAFs and TAMs interact with cancer cells to activate pathways such as the TGF-β, IL-6, and PI3K/AKT pathways, which drive resistance to therapy. New treatments aim to block these interactions by targeting CAFs and TAMs through depletion, reprogramming, or pathway inhibition, often combined with immunotherapy. Advances such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics now enable more precise identification of CAF and TAM subtypes, enabling more targeted therapies. This review summarizes their roles in epithelial ovarian cancer and explores how targeting these cells could improve outcomes. Full article
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14 pages, 1987 KB  
Article
Combination Treatment of Carboxyl Esterase 2-Overexpressing hTERT-Immortalized Human Adipose Stem Cells Enhances the Inhibition of Tumor Growth by Irinotecan in PC3, a Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Model
by Jae Heon Kim, Miho Song, Jeongkun Lee, Sang Hun Lee and Yun Seob Song
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(11), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47110902 - 30 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 861
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains difficult to treat with conventional chemotherapy. We evaluated a stem cell-based enzyme-prodrug strategy using hTERT-immortalized adipose-derived stem cells engineered to express rabbit carboxylesterase 2 (hTERT-ADSC.CE2) in combination with irinotecan (CPT-11). hTERT-ADSC.CE2 cells were generated via lentiviral transduction and [...] Read more.
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains difficult to treat with conventional chemotherapy. We evaluated a stem cell-based enzyme-prodrug strategy using hTERT-immortalized adipose-derived stem cells engineered to express rabbit carboxylesterase 2 (hTERT-ADSC.CE2) in combination with irinotecan (CPT-11). hTERT-ADSC.CE2 cells were generated via lentiviral transduction and confirmed to overexpress CE2. Their tumor-homing capacity toward PC3 prostate cancer cells was assessed, along with prodrug activation, apoptosis induction, and in vivo tumor suppression in a CRPC mouse model. hTERT-ADSC.CE2 cells demonstrated enhanced migration toward PC3 cells and higher expression of tumor-homing factors than the controls. Under CPT-11, they exhibited a strong “suicide” effect and induced selective killing of PC3 cells, with upregulation of BAX and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulation of BCL-2. By day 14, the combination arm showed significantly lower tumor burden than both the control and irinotecan-alone arms (p < 0.05). The pattern is consistent with intratumoral activation and localized SN-38 exposure. hTERT-ADSC.CE2 combined with irinotecan provides potent, tumor-targeted cytotoxicity and markedly suppresses CRPC progression. This cell-mediated prodrug activation system may represent a promising therapeutic approach for advanced prostate cancer. Full article
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22 pages, 709 KB  
Review
Recombinant Oncolytic Viruses: Hexagonal Warriors in the Field of Solid Tumor Immunotherapy
by Cong Zhang and Qian Sun
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(11), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47110878 - 23 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3103
Abstract
In the past decade, research on recombinant oncolytic viral agents in the treatment of solid tumors has evolved from the initial stage of simple genetic engineering to the current stage of multiple pipelines of parallel clinical application and combination therapy. Compared with T-VEC, [...] Read more.
In the past decade, research on recombinant oncolytic viral agents in the treatment of solid tumors has evolved from the initial stage of simple genetic engineering to the current stage of multiple pipelines of parallel clinical application and combination therapy. Compared with T-VEC, the classical therapeutic agent that only expresses GM-CSF, which was approved in 2015, most new oncolytic virus designs include diverse gene constructs to reduce toxic effects, enhance multiple antitumor immunity, avoid immune clearance, or enhance tumor targeting. The single route of administration that activates the inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment by intratumoral injection is no longer sufficient to meet the treatment needs of refractory solid tumors. In this review, we illustrated the construction patterns of typical recombinant oncolytic viral agents and their latest clinical trial progress. Secondly, we summarized the underlying mechanisms of the combined application of antiviral and antitumor immunity in the field of solid tumor immunotherapy. Finally, we explored the feasibility of the intravenous application of oncolytic viruses and their future development directions. We believe that the diversified treatment design of oncolytic viruses will bring more surprises to the immunotherapy of refractory tumors. Full article
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17 pages, 1957 KB  
Article
In Silico Multitarget Profiling of Non-Selective Beta-Blockers Highlights Their Potential as Key Agents in Breast Cancer Adjuvant Therapy via ADRB2, ERBB2, and NPYR Receptors
by Felipe Muñoz-González, José Correa-Basurto, Iván Ignacio-Mejia and Cindy Bandala
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(10), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47100789 - 23 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1096
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is associated with multiple molecular factors such as overexpression of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and the overproduction of its agonists (norepinephrine and epinephrine). The role of adrenergic signaling in BC highlights the therapeutic potential of non-selective beta-blockers (nsBBs) as [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) is associated with multiple molecular factors such as overexpression of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and the overproduction of its agonists (norepinephrine and epinephrine). The role of adrenergic signaling in BC highlights the therapeutic potential of non-selective beta-blockers (nsBBs) as inhibitors of well-established protumor signaling pathways related to ADRB2 and their possible affinity for other important protumoral receptors. Our aim was to identify how nsBBs currently prescribed may also interact with receptors other than ADRB2, which are related to the pathophysiology of BC, using bioinformatic intracellular pathway analysis (BIPA). Subsequently, the affinity of nsBBs for both ADRB2 and the targets identified by BIPA was evaluated. We found that, beyond ADRB2, both receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) and neuropeptide Y receptor (NPYR) are promising targets for nsBBs in the adjuvant treatment of BC, according to BIPA. Docking studies showed that the nsBB with the highest binding affinity (ΔG) was carvedilol (−10.5 kcal/mol), followed by propranolol (−8.5 kcal/mol). These in silico findings suggest previously unrecognized pharmacological mechanisms for nsBBs in the possible treatment for BC. Notably, differences in receptor affinity were observed among the nsBBs, with carvedilol exhibiting the strongest binding affinity values on ADRB2, ERBB2, and NPYR as biological targets against BC cells. These promising results require future experimental validation. Full article
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