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Published on: May 18, 2020
Current status of gene therapy for breast cancer: progress and challenges
Cian M McCrudden1, Helen O McCarthy1
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is characterized by a series of genetic mutations and is therefore ideally placed for gene therapy intervention. The aim of gene therapy is to deliver a nucleic acid-based drug to either correct or destroy the cells harboring the genetic aberration. More recently, cancer gene therapy has evolved to also encompass delivery of RNA interference technologies, as well as cancer DNA vaccines. However, the bottleneck in creating such nucleic acid pharmaceuticals lies in the delivery. Deliverability of DNA is limited as it is prone to circulating nucleases; therefore, numerous strategies have been employed to aid with biological transport. This review will discuss some of the viral and nonviral approaches to breast cancer gene therapy, and present the findings of clinical trials of these therapies in breast cancer patients. Also detailed are some of the most recent developments in nonviral approaches to targeting in breast cancer gene therapy, including transcriptional control, and the development of recombinant, multifunctional bio-inspired systems. Lastly, DNA vaccines for breast cancer are documented, with comment on requirements for successful pharmaceutical product development.
Insights
Gene therapy offers promising breast cancer treatment by delivering nucleic acid drugs to correct genetic mutations. Challenges in delivery are being overcome by viral, nonviral, and DNA vaccine strategies, advancing pharmaceutical development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer arises from genetic mutations, making it a target for gene therapy.
- Gene therapy aims to deliver nucleic acid drugs to correct or destroy cancer cells.
- Current gene therapy includes RNA interference and DNA vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review viral and nonviral gene therapy approaches for breast cancer.
- To present clinical trial findings for breast cancer gene therapies.
- To discuss advancements in nonviral targeting and DNA vaccines for breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on breast cancer gene therapy.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for viral and nonviral strategies.
- Examination of recent developments in targeting and vaccine technologies.
Main Results:
- Delivery remains a key challenge for nucleic acid-based drugs due to nuclease susceptibility.
- Viral and nonviral methods show potential in clinical trials for breast cancer.
- New nonviral strategies enhance targeting and include bio-inspired systems and DNA vaccines.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy holds significant potential for breast cancer treatment.
- Overcoming delivery challenges is crucial for developing effective nucleic acid pharmaceuticals.
- Continued research into advanced delivery systems and DNA vaccines is essential for therapeutic success.
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