ABSTRACT
Cancer nanomedicine is a promising field for improved delivery of drugs and bioactive agents, including nucleic acids. The concept of exploiting RNA interference (RNAi) as a potential therapeutic stems from the seminal discovery by A. Fire and Mellow describing modulation of gene expression by RNAi in mammalian cells. RNAi-based nanotherapeutics has begun to display a positive impact towards disease treatments. Recent studies show that photo-switchable siRNA assemblies can facilitate endosomal escape upon light activation for efficient and localized RNAi therapy. The development of photoactivatable nano delivery systems to accomplish enhanced intracellular siRNA release within defined time and space in vivo is likely to significantly enhance the intended applications of RNAi-based nanomedicine and will have direct impact on improving treatment of patients suffering from cancer. Targeted RNAi therapies mediated through this technology are likely to improve cancer treatment due to the selective action of RNAi at the tumor site.
