Oral Gene Delivery: An Innovative Approach for Colorectal Center Therapy

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world characterized by neoplasia in the colon, rectum, or vermiform appendix. Current treatment approaches include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery however non-specific bio-distribution of anti-cancer drug, lack of effective and safe drug delivery career, drug resistance and relapse are major limiting factors of current therapy. Gene therapy is a technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development. The future of gene therapy depends on achieving successful delivery of wild type gene to replace a faulty gene. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in delivery of drugs and gene via the gastrointestinal tract. Gene therapy via this route has many advantages, including non-invasive access and the versatility to treat local diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, as well as systemic diseases, such as haemophilia. However, the intestine presents several distinct barriers and, therefore, the design of robust non-viral delivery systems is key to future success. The review covers obstacles in the path of successful gene therapy using oral route to treat colorectal cancer as well as strategies to overcome. Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Oral gene delivery, Targeted delivery