Protein Degraders: A Breakthrough Approach to Targeting Cancer at Its Source

Cancer begins when DNA mutations cause uncontrolled cell growth. Certain proteins, called oncoproteins, drive the progression and aggressiveness of the disease. Protein degraders, also known as PROTACs, are therapies designed to destroy these cancer-promoting proteins. By targeting specific proteins that fuel the disease, PROTACs offer a precision-driven approach to treatment. Understanding this approach helps patients see how targeted therapies work and the potential benefits of precision medicine.

How do protein degraders work?

PROTACs, or Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras, are designed to target the cancer protein directly at its source. These protein degraders don’t just block these harmful proteins; they destroy and remove them using the cell’s own disposal system. Every PROTAC has one end that recognizes and attacks the specific protein that is responsible for cancer’s growth. The other end of the PROTAC attaches to an enzyme, E3 ligase, which is responsible for removing old or damaged proteins. Once PROTACs are attached to these two things, the E3 ligase places tags, called ubiquitin, on the harmful protein. These harmful proteins are then taken into the cells’ recycling unit called the proteasome, where they are broken down into pieces and removed permanently. After destroying a protein, it moved to another one and repeated the cycle.

Benefits of protein degraders over traditional therapies

Unlike traditional therapies, protein degraders target the source of the cancerous protein and destroy it completely instead of blocking it. The following are a few benefits offered by PROTACs:

• Precision targeting: This approach targets only the harmful protein and spares the healthy ones.
• Fewer side effects: PROTACs don’t interfere with healthy tissues, resulting in minimal side effects for this approach
• Tough on drug resistance: Protein degraders remove the harmful protein from the patient's body and can stay active even when the cancer changes.

What does research say about PROTACs?

The study from February 2025 shows the impact of PROTACs in several cancer types. In breast cancer, these PROTACs destroy the hormone-driven protein that traditional drugs struggle with. Additionally, in prostate and certain blood cancers, it targets proteins that were once looked upon as untreatable. These new insights are giving patients new hope for their complete recovery.

The future of cancer care with PROTACs

The future of cancer care is likely to be transformed by how far the PROTACs can go. New advancements are taking place to expand its use case across multiple cancer types and pair them with immunotherapy for better outcomes. However, designing protein degraders without harming the body is a major challenge, along with their affordability and safety for long-term use. But with an ongoing strong momentum, this technology will deliver impactful results in the future.

Step towards a smarter therapy

Protein degraders are turning out to be a valuable innovation in modern oncology. It doesn’t just attack the cancer tumor from outside but dismantles its survival at the source. While challenges remain, protein degradation is creating a path towards a smarter, lighter, and complete cure for cancer.