Oligonucleotide delivery to tumours using macromolecular carriers

Microparticles have been used for delivery of chemo- and radio-therapeutic agents to tumours in patients for more than a decade, whereas cationic liposomes have been used for introducing nucleic acids into mammalian cells for the same period of time. This minireview discusses the potential of delivering therapeutic ONs (oligonucleotides) to tumours using cationic liposomes and the major obstacles to such delivery. It also proposes how microparticles can be utilized for delivery of ONs to solid tumours. Prospects for improved ON delivery using these carriers and ways to achieve this are discussed.