Recent advancements in aptamer-mediated theranostics in the management of hematological disorders

Increasing trends in the incidence rate and death rate in hematological disorders, specifically hematological malignancies, indicate the need for advancements in therapeutic approaches. Various hematological disorders include hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, thrombocytopenia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, polycythemia vera, and aplastic anemia. Chemotherapy, cytoreductive therapy, and monoclonal antibodies are typically used for the treatment of hematological disorders. Stem cell transplantation is also performed for this purpose. However, these conventional therapeutic approaches exhibit several drawbacks, such as nonspecificity and side effects. Aptamers, being RNA or DNA oligonucleotides, selectively bind to a specific complementary molecule and serve as strong therapeutic components, offering significant theranostic implications and numerous therapeutic and diagnostic alternatives for hematological disorders. This article explains the systematic evolution of ligands through exponential enrichment, also known as the SELEX process of aptamer selection, their mechanism of action, and their wide range of applications. Moreover, it discusses the various advanced approaches for aptamer modifications to enhance their flexibility, expanding their applicability. This review article focuses on the recent updates in the application of aptamers in different hematological disorders, highlighting their potential in the therapy and diagnosis of hematological diseases.