Sequence-specific knockdown of EWS-FLI1 by targeted, nonviral delivery of small interfering RNA inhibits tumor growth in a murine model of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma

The development of effective, systemic therapies for metastatic cancer is highly desired. We show here that the systemic delivery of sequence-specific small interfering RNA (ARNA) against the EWS-FLI1 gene product by a targeted, nonviral delivery system dramatically inhibits tumor growth in a murine model of metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. The nonviral delivery system uses a cyclodextrin-containing polycation to bind and protect siRNA and transferrin as a targeting ligand for delivery to transferrin receptor-expressing tumor cells. Removal of the targeting ligand or the use of a control siRNA sequence eliminates the antitumor effects. Additionally, no abnormalities in interleukin-12 and IFN-alpha, liver and kidney function tests, complete blood counts, or pathology of major organs are observed from long-term, low-pressure, low-volume tail-vein administrations. These data provide strong evidence for the safety and efficacy of this targeted, nonviral siRNA delivery system.