Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Preparation of Exosomes for siRNA Delivery to Cancer Cells
Published on: December 5, 2018
Nanotechnology-based siRNA delivery strategies for metastatic colorectal cancer therapy
Ana Rita Sousa1, Ana Vanessa Oliveira2, Maria José Oliveira3
1i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; IPO Porto - Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the world, mainly due to distant metastases events. The metastatic CRC (mCRC) stages are resistant to the therapeutic recommended. Therefore, it urges the development of more efficient strategies to impair the disease. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a well-known silencing tool with impact on targeted cancer therapy, even though in vivo challenges difficult its clinical application. Here, multiple solutions to overcome the extracellular and intracellular barriers encountered by intravenous delivery of siRNA are discussed. Moreover, it is emphasized the association of siRNA with nanoparticles to enable the long-term release and to counteract the toxicity issues of siRNA. Particular attention is paid on the potential of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery in mCRC. Despite of being less used so far due to technological difficulties, multiple strategies to successfully encapsulate siRNA into PLGA nanocarriers are summarized.
Insights
Developing effective treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is crucial. This study explores using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) for targeted mCRC therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death, primarily due to metastasis.
- Metastatic CRC (mCRC) presents significant therapeutic resistance.
- Novel strategies are essential to combat advanced CRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for overcoming barriers in systemic small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery for mCRC.
- To highlight the potential of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for siRNA delivery in mCRC.
- To summarize methods for encapsulating siRNA into PLGA nanocarriers.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of extracellular and intracellular barriers to intravenous siRNA delivery.
- Emphasis on combining siRNA with nanoparticles for sustained release and reduced toxicity.
- Review of strategies for siRNA encapsulation within PLGA nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle-based delivery systems can enhance siRNA efficacy.
- PLGA nanoparticles offer a promising platform for targeted siRNA delivery in mCRC.
- Various techniques exist to overcome challenges in siRNA loading into PLGA nanocarriers.
Conclusions:
- Systemic siRNA delivery via PLGA nanoparticles holds significant potential for mCRC treatment.
- Further development of encapsulation strategies is needed to optimize PLGA-based siRNA delivery.
- This approach could lead to more effective therapies for advanced colorectal cancer.
Related Concept Videos
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Small interfering RNAs (siRNA)
Gene Therapy
Group Therapy

