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Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Progress in developing cationic vectors for non-viral systemic gene therapy against cancer
Marie Morille1, Catherine Passirani, Arnaud Vonarbourg
1Inserm U646, Ingénierie de la Vectorisation Particulaire, Université d'Angers, 10, rue André Boquel, 49100 Angers, France.
Abstract:
Initially, gene therapy was viewed as an approach for treating hereditary diseases, but its potential role in the treatment of acquired diseases such as cancer is now widely recognized. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in cancer and the development of nucleic acid delivery systems are two concepts that have led to this development. Systemic gene delivery systems are needed for therapeutic application to cells inaccessible by percutaneous injection and for multi-located tumor sites, i.e. metastases. Non-viral vectors based on the use of cationic lipids or polymers appear to have promising potential, given the problems of safety encountered with viral vectors. Using these non-viral vectors, the current challenge is to obtain a similarly effective transfection to viral ones. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of existing vectors and on the hurdles encountered with these carriers, the aim of this review is to describe the "perfect vector" for systemic gene therapy against cancer.
Insights
Gene therapy, initially for hereditary diseases, now targets cancer. Non-viral vectors show promise for systemic cancer gene therapy, aiming for effective delivery to tumors and metastases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Gene therapy's scope has expanded beyond hereditary conditions to acquired diseases like cancer.
- Advances in understanding cancer's molecular mechanisms and nucleic acid delivery systems drive this evolution.
- Systemic gene delivery is crucial for reaching inaccessible tumor cells and metastatic sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing gene therapy vectors for cancer treatment.
- To identify challenges and limitations of current non-viral vectors.
- To define the characteristics of an ideal vector for systemic cancer gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on gene therapy vectors for cancer.
- Analysis of safety and efficacy data for viral and non-viral vectors.
- Comparative assessment of cationic lipids and polymers as non-viral delivery systems.
Main Results:
- Viral vectors present safety concerns for therapeutic applications.
- Non-viral vectors, including cationic lipids and polymers, offer a safer alternative.
- Achieving transfection efficiency comparable to viral vectors remains a key challenge for non-viral systems.
Conclusions:
- Non-viral vectors are promising for systemic cancer gene therapy.
- Further development is needed to overcome transfection efficiency limitations.
- The "perfect vector" for cancer gene therapy requires balancing safety, efficacy, and targeted delivery.
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