[Antisense therapy in oncology: present situation].
The purpose of antisense therapy is to control the regulation of genes contributing to cancer progression while sparing normal cell growth, which represents a novel alternative with fewer side effects when compared to conventional chemotherapy. Antisense oligonucleotides control cell proliferation by specifically blocking the expression of selected genes, and hence they are being developed as molecular drugs with potential activity for cancer treatment. Extensive clinical information and a number of clinical trials show encouraging results. This review discusses the most significant aspects of this new therapeutic alternative in oncology. Clinical trials performed thus far have demonstrated their short- to mid-term efficacy and safety; however, long-term studies are needed to definitely define their clinical effectiveness and true toxic profile.
Morán González
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D
Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca. dmorang@usal.es
Domínguez-Gil Hurlé
A
A
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017868:Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D019254:Genes, bcl-2 / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D017868:Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases