title: RNA interference for the treatment of cancer.
abstract: RNA interference (RNAi) is the latest new technology in the field of genetic medicine in which specific genes can be turned off, or silenced, so as to affect a therapeutic outcome. It can be highly specific, works in the nanomolar range and is far more effective than the antisense approaches popular 10-15 years ago. Here we review the field and explore the potential role of RNAi in cancer therapy, highlighting recent progress and examining the hurdles that must be overcome before this promising technology is ready for clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Biology Program, Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Buranda, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Lisa N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Putral
authors.forename: Wenyi
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: Nigel A J
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: McMillan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D009154:Mutation; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D034622:RNA Interference; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008081:Liposomes; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering