Scientists have developed a peptide that, like monoclonal antibodies, can bind to the surface of leukemia and lymphoma cells. Unlike monoclonal antibodies, however, they are
(1) smaller, and can therefore infiltrate cancer cells,
(2) more specific, and are able to differentiate normal from malignant lymphocytes, and
(3) can bind to T-cells.

Given these advantages, they may have the potential as a tool for imaging tumors, and in drug delivery.

"We believe LLP2A may be an ideal vehicle for the delivery of radionuclides, cytotoxic agents, toxins, cytokines and nanoparticles to lymphoid cancers which include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute lymphocytic leukemia."

The peptide, called LLP2A, was developed by researchers from the UC Davis Cancer Center and animal trials are underway.