Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Innovative Cancer Therapies with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2024
Nucleic acid nanotechnology for cancer treatment
Jun-O Jin1, Gyurin Kim2, Juyoung Hwang3
1Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the most prevalent potentially lethal diseases. With the increase in the number of investigations into the uses of nanotechnology, many nucleic acid (NA)-based nanostructures such as small interfering RNA, microRNA, aptamers, and immune adjuvant NA have been applied to treat cancer. Here, we discuss studies on the applications of NA in cancer treatment, recent research trends, and the limitations and prospects of specific NA-mediated gene therapy and immunotherapy for cancer treatment. The NA structures used for cancer therapy consist only of NA or hybrids comprising organic or inorganic substances integrated with functional NA. We also discuss delivery vehicles for therapeutic NA and anti-cancer agents, and recent trends in NA-based gene therapy and immunotherapy against cancer.
Insights
Nucleic acid (NA) nanostructures show promise for cancer treatment through gene therapy and immunotherapy. This review covers NA applications, delivery methods, and future prospects in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
- Nanotechnology offers novel therapeutic strategies for cancer.
- Nucleic acid (NA)-based nanostructures are emerging as key players in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications of NA nanostructures in cancer therapy.
- To discuss current research trends in NA-based gene therapy and immunotherapy.
- To explore the limitations and future prospects of these therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on NA-based nanostructures for cancer treatment.
- Analysis of NA structures, including pure NA and hybrid forms.
- Examination of delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Various NA-based nanostructures (siRNA, miRNA, aptamers) are utilized for cancer treatment.
- Both gene therapy and immunotherapy approaches are being advanced using NA.
- Hybrid nanostructures integrating NA with other materials enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- NA-based nanostructures represent a promising frontier in cancer treatment.
- Further research into delivery systems and therapeutic optimization is crucial.
- NA-mediated gene therapy and immunotherapy hold significant potential for improving cancer patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
14:20Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
07:54Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Nucleic acids
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...