Targeting Bone Marrow Small Non-coding RNAs in Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite extensive research cancer is predicated to be the leading cause of death by 2020. One element of cancer development, which has been successfully targeted clinically resulting in impaired tumour growth and spread (metastases), is the process by which tumours enroll vasculature. This is referred to as tumour angiogenesis. However, the problems currently associated with current anti-angiogenic therapies (eg. Avastin) is that they are prone to adaptive resistance (the process of initial response, followed by hypoxia and rapid relapse). Furthermore, such therapies target normal aspects of human biology, including the immune system, wound healing and vascular homeostasis. This leads to unintended and adverse side-affects. Bone marrow (BM) derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) play a critical role in tumour angiogenesis and adaptive resistance. Therefore, targeting these cells offers a novel anti-angiogenic therapy, which may not be associated with the problems of current treatments.