Angiogenesis regulation by nanocarriers bearing RNA interference

Since the approval of bevacizumab as anti-angiogenic therapy in 2004 by the FDA, an array of angiogenesis inhibitors have been developed and approved. However, results were disappointing with regard to their therapeutic efficacy. RNA interference approaches offer the possibility of rational design with high specificity, lacking in many current drug treatments for various diseases including cancer. However, in vivo delivery issues still represent a significant obstacle for widespread clinical applications. In the current review, we summarize the advances in the last decade in the field of angiogenesis-targeted RNA interference approaches, with special emphasis on oncology applications. We present pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors as potential targets, experimental evidence and clinical trials data on angiogenesis regulation by RNA interference. Consequent challenges and opportunities are discussed.