siRNA Delivery for the treatment of ovarian cancer

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) mediate the catalytic sequence-specific cleavage of target messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, resulting in the silencing of gene products in an efficient and precise manner. One apparent application of this technology is the knockdown of genes responsible for cancer progression, including pro-proliferative oncogenes, inhibitors of apoptosis, and mediators of angiogenesis. Delivery of siRNAs into particular cells has remained the principal obstacle to the realization of the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) in the clinic. Several groups have worked to develop carriers that facilitate siRNA delivery into ovarian cancer cells in mouse models of ovarian cancer. The results have been promising, often leading to significant survival extension. Such benefit is critical for a disease that is characterized by very poor outcomes and demands novel treatment options. This review describes advancements in siRNA delivery for the treatment of ovarian cancer. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.