Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2071741 Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 2015 14 Pages PDF
Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate multiple molecular pathways vital for the hallmarks of cancer with a high degree of biochemical specificity and potency. By restoring tumor suppressive miRNAs or ablating oncomiRs, miRNA-based therapies can sensitize cancer cells to conventional cytotoxins and the molecularly targeted drugs by promoting apoptosis and autophagy, reverting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, and downregulating efflux transporters. The development of miRNA-based therapeutics in combination with small-molecule anticancer drugs provides an unprecedented opportunity to counteract chemoresistance and improve treatment outcome in a broad range of human cancers. This review summarizes the mechanisms and advantages for the combination therapies involving miRNAs and small-molecule drugs, as well as the recent advances in the co-delivery nanocarriers for these agents.

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