Delivering RNA-based therapeutics for pancreatic cancer treatment: Current progress and challenges

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), presents formidable treatment challenges owing to the intricacies of its anatomical structures and biological impediments. RNA-based therapeutics offer unprecedented potential for PDAC treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest advances in PDAC-targeted nucleic acid delivery systems, including extracellular vesicles, polymer carriers, lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and antibody-drug conjugates. Key features of each delivery platform, such as their structural modifications and targeting mechanisms, are highlighted. Additionally, the review emphasizes their capacity to overcome PDAC-specific biological barriers (e.g., blood-pancreatic barrier, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, dense extracellular matrix). It also outlines current challenges and future directions in optimizing nucleic acid delivery for PDAC. Integrating the latest insights into PDAC biology, delivery system engineering, and nucleic acid drug development, this review provides a concise, up-to-date perspective to guide the design of effective translational strategies for PDAC therapy.

Keywords

Pancreatic cancer / RNA therapeutics / targeted delivery

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