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Antisense oligonucleotide therapy in cancer

Alick C Stephens1, Rodney P A Rivers

  • 1Academic Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, Paddington, London, W2 1PG, UK. a.stephens@imperial.ac.uk

Current Opinion in Molecular Therapeutics
|May 30, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Antisense oligonucleotides (ONs) are novel DNA-based therapeutics targeting specific gene activity. This review explores current strategies for using ONs in cancer therapy by targeting genes involved in apoptosis and cell growth.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics and Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Human genome sequencing reveals disease-associated genes.
  • New targeted therapeutics offer treatment opportunities.
  • Antisense oligonucleotides (ONs) are a promising class of drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current strategies for antisense oligonucleotide (ON) targets in cancer therapy.
  • To highlight the potential of ONs in developing novel anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on antisense oligonucleotide therapy.
  • Focus on ONs targeting genes regulating apoptosis, cell growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
  • Discussion of phosphorothioate antisense ONs as the current standard.

Main Results:

  • Antisense oligonucleotides (ONs) hybridize to target mRNA, blocking protein translation.
  • Specific gene targets in cancer regulation offer therapeutic potential.
  • Phosphorothioate ONs are the prevalent choice for current antisense therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Antisense oligonucleotides represent a highly specific therapeutic approach for cancer.
  • Targeting key genes in cancer pathways with ONs is a viable strategy.
  • Further development of ON-based therapies holds promise for cancer treatment.

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