RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutic approaches are under vibrant scrutinisation to seek cancer cure. siRNA suppress expression of the carcinogenic genes by targeting the mRNA expression. However, in vivo systemic siRNA therapy is hampered by the barriers such as poor cellular uptake, instability under physiological conditions, off-target effects and possible immunogenicity. To overcome these challenges, systemic siRNA therapy warrants the development of clinically suitable, safe, and effective drug delivery systems. Herein, we review the barriers, potential siRNA drug delivery systems, and application of siRNA in clinical trials for cancer therapy. Further research is required to harness the full potential of siRNA as a cancer therapeutic.
Keywords: Cancer therapy; RNA interference; biological barriers; gene silencing; siRNA.