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RNA Interference and Cancer Therapy

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ABSTRACT

Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi) has revolutionized basic and clinical research. Small RNAs, including small interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), mediate RNAi effects through either cleavage-dependent or cleavage-independent RNA inducible silencing complex (RISC) effector processes. As a result of its efficacy and potential, RNAi has been elevated to the status of “blockbuster therapeutic” alongside recombinant protein and monoclonal antibody. RNAi has already contributed to our understanding of neoplasia and has great promise for anti-cancer therapeutics, particularly so for personalized cancer therapy. Despite this potential, several hurdles have to be overcome for successful development of RNAi-based pharmaceuticals. This review will discuss the potential for, challenges to, and the current status of RNAi-based cancer therapeutics.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS & DISCLOSURES

The authors gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the W. W. Caruth Jr. Foundation Fund of the Communities Foundation of Texas as well as the Jasper L. and Jack Denton Wilson Foundation. They also wish to thank Susan W. Mill for her assistance in manuscript preparation and journal submission.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gradalis, Inc., Dallas, Texas, USA

    Zhaohui Wang, Donald D. Rao, Neil Senzer & John Nemunaitis

  2. Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, Texas, USA

    Neil Senzer & John Nemunaitis

  3. Texas Oncology PA, Dallas, Texas, USA

    Neil Senzer & John Nemunaitis

  4. Medical City Dallas Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA

    Neil Senzer & John Nemunaitis

  5. 1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas, 75201, USA

    John Nemunaitis

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  1. Zhaohui Wang
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Correspondence to John Nemunaitis.

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Wang, Z., Rao, D.D., Senzer, N. et al. RNA Interference and Cancer Therapy. Pharm Res 28, 2983–2995 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-011-0604-5

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