siRNA Therapeutics in Lymphoma: Gene Targets, Delivery Strategies, and Synergy with Chemotherapy.

Abstract

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that arises from the lymphatic system, which involves the uncontrollable proliferation of abnormal lymphocytes. Traditionally, lymphoma is classified into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To date, chemotherapy remains one of the most common treatments for lymphoma. Notwithstanding the level of efficacy achieved in the use of chemotherapy, the toxicity and drug resistance by cancer cells have been a major obstacle in the treatment of lymphoma. Currently, researchers are exploring the use of siRNA to specifically target and knock down carcinogenic genes involved in lymphoma. The ability of siRNA to target specific genes makes it a good potential substitute for chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, various delivery systems have also been developed over the years to help mitigate the challenges involved in siRNA delivery to their target genes, which include but are not limited to offtarget effects and systemic breakdown by nucleases. However, there are still many setbacks that need to be resolved to get the desired standard in using only siRNA for lymphoma treatment. Combinations of siRNA with chemotherapy drugs are successful against a variety of molecular targets and can make cancer cells more susceptible to treatment. Therefore, the use of chemotherapy and siRNA might provide the much-needed solution for lymphoma treatment, with reduced toxicity and increased efficacy. Considering the fact that some delivery systems have been developed for the co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and siRNA for treating cancers, exploring this option in lymphoma treatment would be a great option towards the right direction and requires better knowledge and development of siRNA therapeutics.