Potential applications of RNA interference technology in the treatment of cancer

Future Oncol. 2005 Feb;1(1):103-13. doi: 10.1517/14796694.1.1.103.

Abstract

Inhibition of growth and progression of cancer cells is a challenge with major potential impact. RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been rapidly developed as a laboratory tool for the downregulation of the expression of a gene of interest. Moreover, RNAi offers a new potential for gene therapy of particular neoplasms by the specific inhibition of a cancer-associated target. This article will briefly describe the mechanism and application possibilities of RNAi, and illustrate the therapeutic potential in cancer gene therapy. The utilization of RNAi technology as a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of cancer will be discussed in detail for two specific targets; the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase and the multidrug transporter MDR1/P-glycoprotein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / genetics
  • Animals
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl