Nanoparticle-siRNA: A potential cancer therapy?

Purpose: To explore current developments in short interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery systems in nanooncology, in particular nanoparticles that encapsulate siRNA for targeted treatment of cancer. siRNA has a high specificity towards the oncogenic mRNA in cancer cells, while application of nanoparticles can improve stable delivery and enhance efficacy. Methods: A literature search was performed using the terms siRNA, nanoparticles, targeted delivery, and cancer. These databases included Medline, Embase, Cochrane Review, Pubmed, and Scopus. Results: siRNA anti-cancer drugs utilize endogenous RNAi mechanisms to silence oncogene expression, which promotes cancer remission. However, current delivery methods have poor efficacy, requiring assistance by nanoparticles for successful delivery. Recently several preclinical studies have crossed into clinical trials utilizing siRNA nanoparticle therapeutics. Conclusion: Great potential exists for nano-siRNA drugs in cancer treatment, but issues exist with nanoparticle toxicity and off target siRNA effects. Further research is needed in this rapidly developing and promising field of nano-siRNA drugs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.