Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases
Published on: August 23, 2024
Recent advancements in small interfering RNA based therapeutic approach on breast cancer
Kathirvel Kalaimani1, Shana Balachandran1, Lokesh Kumar Boopathy2
1Cancer Biology Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600119, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common and malignant tumor diagnosed in women, with 2.9 million cases in 2023 and the fifth highest cancer-causing mortality worldwide. Recent developments in targeted therapy options for BC have demonstrated the promising potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based cancer therapeutic approaches. As BC continues to be a global burden, siRNA therapy emerges as a potential treatment strategy to regulate disease-related genes in other types of cancers, including BC. siRNAs are tiny RNA molecules that, by preventing their expression, can specifically silence genes linked to the development of cancer. In order to increase the stability and effectiveness of siRNA delivery to BC cells, minimize off-target effects, and improve treatment efficacy, advanced delivery technologies such as lipid nanoparticles and nanocarriers have been created. Additionally, combination therapies, such as siRNAs that target multiple pathways are used in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy agents, have shown synergistic effects in various preclinical studies, opening up new treatment options for breast cancer that are personalized and precision medicine-oriented. Targeting important genes linked to BC growth, metastasis, and chemo-resistance has been reported in BC research using siRNA-based therapies. This study reviews recent reports on therapeutic approaches to siRNA for advanced treatment of BC. Furthermore, this review evaluates the role and mechanisms of siRNA in BC and demonstrates the potential of exploiting siRNA as a novel target for BC therapy.
Insights
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy shows promise for breast cancer treatment by silencing cancer-causing genes. Advanced delivery systems and combination therapies enhance siRNA
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality in women globally.
- Small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers targeted gene silencing for cancer therapy.
- siRNA therapy is a promising approach for advanced breast cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in siRNA-based therapeutic approaches for breast cancer.
- To evaluate the role and mechanisms of siRNA in breast cancer.
- To highlight the potential of siRNA as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on siRNA therapy for breast cancer.
- Analysis of siRNA mechanisms in targeting BC-related genes.
- Evaluation of advanced delivery technologies (lipid nanoparticles, nanocarriers) and combination therapies.
Main Results:
- siRNA therapy demonstrates potential in regulating BC-related genes.
- Advanced delivery systems improve siRNA stability, efficacy, and reduce off-target effects.
- Combination therapies with chemotherapy show synergistic effects in preclinical studies.
Conclusions:
- siRNA therapy represents a novel and personalized treatment strategy for breast cancer.
- Targeting key genes involved in BC growth, metastasis, and chemo-resistance is feasible with siRNA.
- Further research and clinical application of siRNA hold significant promise for improving breast cancer outcomes.
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...
Experimental RNAi
Small interfering RNAs (siRNA)
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
MicroRNAs

