title: MicroRNA-targeted therapeutics for lung cancer treatment.
abstract: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that repress the expression of a broad array of target genes. Many efforts have been made to therapeutically target miRNAs in cancer treatments using miRNA mimics and miRNA antagonists. Areas covered: This article summarizes the recent findings with the role of miRNAs in lung cancer, and discusses the potential and challenges of developing miRNA-targeted therapeutics in this dreadful disease. Expert opinion: The development of miRNA-targeted therapeutics has become an important anti-cancer strategy. Results from both preclinical and clinical trials of microRNA replacement therapy have shown some promise in cancer treatment. However, some obstacles, including drug delivery, specificity, off-target effect, toxicity mediation, immunological activation and dosage determination should be addressed. Several delivery strategies have been employed, including naked oligonucleotides, liposomes, aptamer-conjugates, nanoparticles and viral vectors. However, delivery remains a main challenge in miRNA-targeting therapeutics. Furthermore, immune-related serious adverse events are also a concern, which indicates the complexity of miRNA-based therapy in clinical settings.
authors.affiliation: a Center of Laboratory Medicine , General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China.|b College of Life Science , Ningxia University , Yinchuan , China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xue
authors.affiliation: a Center of Laboratory Medicine , General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China.
authors.forename: Jiali
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: a Center of Laboratory Medicine , General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China.
authors.forename: Meihui
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.affiliation: c Department of Clinical Oncology , Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Kowloon , Hong Kong.
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: a Center of Laboratory Medicine , General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China.|b College of Life Science , Ningxia University , Yinchuan , China.|d Human Stem Cell Institute , General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , Ningxia , China.
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs; D009841:Oligonucleotides
keywords: Delivery system; EGFR; MicroRNA; lung cancer; off-target; therapeutic target