Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
10:00
High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
13.8K
Interferon-Based Therapeutics in Cancer Therapy: Past, Present, and Future
Kristina Vorona1, Anastasia Ryapolova1, Olesya Sokolova1
1Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Avenue, 354340 Sochi, Russia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Interferons (IFNs) are potent immunostimulants with anticancer properties. This review examines recombinant IFNs and gene therapy for cancer, focusing on improving safety and efficacy to overcome treatment limitations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Interferons (IFNs) are key immunostimulants in innate and adaptive immunity.
- IFNs exhibit antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative effects.
- Current IFN use in cancer therapy is limited by severe side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recombinant IFNs and gene therapy for anticancer applications.
- To assess the safety and therapeutic efficacy of IFN-based approaches.
- To explore IFN applications in combination cancer therapy and rare diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current data on recombinant IFNs.
- Analysis of IFN-based gene therapy development.
- Evaluation of safety profiles and therapeutic outcomes.
Main Results:
- Recombinant IFNs show promise but face safety challenges in cancer treatment.
- IFN-based gene therapy offers potential for improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
- Various IFNs have specific applications in combination cancer therapy and rare diseases.
Conclusions:
- Understanding IFN limitations is crucial for improving cancer treatment.
- IFN-based strategies, including gene therapy, are evolving for better oncological outcomes.
- Further research is needed to optimize IFN therapy for cancer and rare diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
1.7K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
1.7K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
8.6K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.6K
02:49Cancer Therapies
9.8K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
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...
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...
9.8K
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
5.8K
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.8K
01:30Cancer Vaccines
929
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
929
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.7K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.7K