Nucleic Acids Based Cancer Theranostics

A cutting-edge review of the important issues underlying the therapeutic use of nucleic acid-mediated gene silencing. Topics range from basic methodology and delivery to targeting and clinical targets. The authors thoroughly explain the latest developments in RNA biology, as well as the underpinnings of RNA interference, oligodeoxynucleotide delivery into cells, and strategies for targeting these molecules to accessible regions within the mRNA. They also provide some examples of how these new therapeutic compounds are being used clinically.

A wide range of new technology involving a direct genetic approach to the treatment of disease using nucleic acid therapeutics is the main focus of this absorbing book. Provides in-depth coverage of the rapid progress of this new technology, from its theoretical stage to its current position at the verge of experimental applications, along with provocative discussions of the therapeutic implications.

This authoritative volume focuses on emerging technologies in cancer nano medicine, characterized by their multi-functionality and potential to address simultaneously diverse issues of clinical relevance in the treatment of cancer. The book consists of sixteen chapters divided into six sections: 1) Biological Barriers in Cancer; 2) Tumor Targeting; 3) Targeting the Immune System; 4) Gene Therapy; 5) Nano theranostics and 6) Translational Aspects of Nano-Oncologicals. The volume starts with an introduction describing the biological barriers associated with cancer therapy and highlighting ways to overcome such barriers through the use of nanotechnology. This is followed by an analysis of the two major targeting strategies currently under investigation in cancer therapy: namely, the targeting of cancer cells and the targeting of the immune system. In the first case, the book presents liposomal and polymer-based therapies, including photodynamic approaches. In the second case, it analyzes in detail the possibility of either improving the efficiency of the immune system toward preventing cancer progression (cancer immunomodulation) or generating responses against specific cancer antigens (cancer vaccines). Beyond these targeting options, Nano-Oncologicals: New Targeting and Delivery Approaches presents the most recent technological advances in the area of nucleic acid-based therapies, along with those in the area of theranostics, where the design of multifunctional nano carriers becomes vital. Following the study of the most promising nanotechnologies around the development of nano-oncologicals, the book ends with an overview of regulatory and toxicological issues, which are critical in their translational pathway, and the presentation of a nucleic acid-based therapy case-study. This book is an important resource for scientists interested in the design and development of anticancer nanotechnologies and also to those aiming to push their technology through clinical development.

This book introduces the reader to drug delivery with specific emphasis on the use of nanoparticles. It covers properties, characterization, and preparation of different types of nanoparticles and discusses recent advances in their structural design and biomedical application, as well as the issues and challenges associated with their design and use. Some of the topics covered include the potential application of nanoparticles in biomedical fields, hazards associated with use of nanoparticles for drug delivery, size-dependent factors in drug delivery applications, different organic, inorganic and their hybrid systems used in drug delivery, etc. It also highlights use of nanoparticles in controlled and targeted drug delivery, and their application in stimuli-responsive, especially pH-responsive, drug release. Additionally, it also focuses on biomimetic nanoparticles, challenges faced in the designing of nanoparticles for drug delivery in cancer, viral and bacterial diseases. The contents of this volume will be useful to researchers and professionals working on advances in targeted drug delivery systems.

Aiding researchers seeking to eliminate multi-step procedures, reduce delays in treatment and ease patient care, Cancer Theranostics reviews, assesses, and makes pertinent clinical recommendations on the integration of comprehensive in vitro diagnostics, in vivo molecular imaging, and individualized treatments towards the personalization of cancer treatment. Cancer Theranostics describes the identification of novel biomarkers to advance molecular diagnostics of cancer. The book encompasses new molecular imaging probes and techniques for early detection of cancer, and describes molecular imaging-guided cancer therapy. Discussion also includes nanoplatforms incorporating both cancer imaging and therapeutic components, as well as clinical translation and future perspectives. Supports elimination of multi-step approaches and reduces delays in treatments through combinatorial diagnosis and therapy Fully assesses cancer theranostics across the emergent field, with discussion of biomarkers, molecular imaging, imaging guided therapy, nanotechnology, and personalized medicine Content bridges laboratory, clinic, and biotechnology industries to advance biomedical science and improve patient management

Nucleic Acid Nanotheranostics: Biomedical Applications offers a comprehensive overview of improvements and new trends in fabrication of nanostructures as theranostic multifunctional carriers in gene therapy. With a strong focus on medical applications (comprising diagnosis, therapy and imaging), the book also examines gene therapy in an individual patient's cells or tissues to treat genetic diseases. Sections cover Biomedical and Diagnostic applications of Nucleic Acids, Biologic and Synthetic Advanced Nanostructures for nucleic acid delivery, and important considerations of nanomedicine. This book is a valuable guide for materials scientists, physicians, chemists and engineers, but is also ideal for clinicians wishing to expand their knowledge.

While simultaneous breakthroughs occurring in molecular biology and nanoscience/technology will ultimately revolutionize all of medicine, it is with our efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer that many of the most dramatic advances will occur. In support of this potential, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) established the Alliance fo