Delivery strategies and potential targets for siRNA in major cancer types

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2016 Sep 1:104:2-15. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.05.010. Epub 2016 May 31.

Abstract

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has gained attention as a potential therapeutic reagent due to its ability to inhibit specific genes in many genetic diseases. For many years, studies of siRNA have progressively advanced toward novel treatment strategies against cancer. Cancer is caused by various mutations in hundreds of genes including both proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In order to develop siRNAs as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment, delivery strategies for siRNA must be carefully designed and potential gene targets carefully selected for optimal anti-cancer effects. In this review, various modifications and delivery strategies for siRNA delivery are discussed. In addition, we present current thinking on target gene selection in major tumor types.

Keywords: Cancer; Delivery strategy of siRNAs; Gene target; Small interfering RNA (siRNA); siRNA therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Gene Targeting*
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering* / administration & dosage

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering