Applications of antisense oligonucleotides in oncology

The identification of genes that confer a growth advantage to tumoral cells and the knowledge of the genetic mechanisms responsible for their activation have made possible a direct genetic approach to cancer treatment by nucleic acid as therapeutical agents. Antisense oligonucleotides (oligos) can be designed to complement a region of a particular gene or messenger RNA and serve as potential blockers of transcription or translation through sequence-specific hybridization. Inhibition of gene expression using oligos has been demonstrated in variety of in vitro models in oncology. Much more rare are actual effects in animal models and clinical trials are just being sketched. The ability of these compounds to access the biological target is critical. Rigourous demonstration of their in vivo effects and favourable pharmacological properties is mandatory before being used as therapeutical agents.