Oligonucleotide delivery in cancer therapy.
BACKGROUND
Cancer is frequently caused by altered protein expression. Oligonucleotides (ONs) are short synthetic nucleic acid fragments, able to selectively correct protein expression into cells by different mechanisms. However, biological barriers hamper the therapeutic use of ONs without suitable delivery strategies.


METHODS
This review summarizes the most meaningful non-viral strategies for ON delivery, including the chemical modifications of the ON backbone and non-viral delivery systems.


RESULTS
The reader will gain an update of the main strategies for ON delivery in cancer. Advantages and limits of each approach are underlined. Emphasis is given to the delivery strategies that contributed to bringing ONs into clinical trials.


CONCLUSIONS
In the long story of ONs for cancer therapy, the development of delivery strategies has led, in the last few years, to different opportunities to use the high therapeutic potential of these molecules in humans.
De Rosa
Giuseppe
G
University of Naples Federico II, Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Via D Montesano n 49, Naples, Italy. gderosa@unina.it
De Stefano
Daniela
D
Galeone
Aldo
A
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
D009841:Oligonucleotides