Recent developments in RNA-based strategies for cancer gene therapy

The introduction of RNA into mammalian cells is a relatively straightforward procedure with many therapeutic applications. An advantage of using mRNA is that protein expression can be achieved in post-mitotic or quiescent cells where there is usually little or no gene expression with non-viral DNA delivery systems. Furthermore, the cleavage of mRNA by catalytic RNA molecules, or ribozymes, is a useful strategy to downregulate aberrant gene expression. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of current applications that use RNA molecules such as mRNA and ribozymes as a basis for gene therapy strategies targeting the initiation and progression of cancer. In particular, we focus on recent developments that improve the delivery and stability of RNA molecules to achieve therapeutic efficacy.