Mesothelioma Blog

An increasing number of cancer research programs are focusing on identifying individual cancer genes that cause resistance to traditional medications. While this field of study possesses vast potential, effective applications have proven difficult. This may change soon, however, as a new interest in RNA is showing enticing possibilities.

As a whole, the division of personalized cancer treatment is designed to counter treatment-resistant cancers by counteracting individual gene defenses and minimizing negative side effects. Now, new RNA technologies, such as non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and RNA interference (RNAi), are offering new ways to attack individual gene expression.

RNA has already been linked to resistance in a number of cancers. Of particular interest are tumors that prove resistant to inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins. Recent studies indicate that a specific ncRNA can be manipulated to increase drug resistance in cancer cells by reducing the level of apoptosis. Apoptosis is the clinical term for programmed cell death.

Additionally, the prevalence of specific small strains of ncRNA, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), has been linked to cancer resistance. As a result, researchers are now looking for a way to manipulate miRNA levels to reduce cancer resistance and improve treatment processes.

Hypothetically, interfering with RNA processes can silence virtually any gene, and early attempts at doing so have proven effective. In preclinical trials, RNAi technology was markedly successful in reversing resistance to cancer drugs.

While promising, RNA manipulation still has many hurdles to overcome. For one, effective delivery processes and specificity have proven difficult. Additionally, the long-term health hazards of these new treatment processes are still unknown. Until further research is conducted on the topic, the correlation between RNA and cancer treatment will remain unavailable to the general public.

Resources:
http://www.dddmag.com/Article-Conquering-Cancer-Resistance.aspx