The emerging role of miRNAs in combined cancer therapy

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control physiological and fundamental processes in cellular development and differentiation by modulating the expression of their target genes. They have been found to participate in cell transformation and multiplication by functioning as oncomiRs and tumor suppressors in diverse cancers. Introduction of antisense miRNAs (antagomiRs) into primary cells such as immune cells by lipofection, viral vectors or electroporation can achieve the specific silencing of individual miRNAs. Therefore, harnessing miRNAs may lead to promising cancer therapeutics. There is emerging evidence demonstrating the involvement of miRNAs in combined cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy combining with miRNA therapy.

Keywords:

• chemotherapy
• combined cancer therapy
• immunotherapy
• microRNA
• radiotherapy

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.