Cancer suicide gene therapy: a patent review.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death worldwide despite the progress made in early detection and advances in classical therapies. Advancing in the fight against cancer requires the development of novel strategies, and the suicide gene transfer to tumor cells is providing new possibilities for cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED: In this manuscript, authors present an overview of suicide gene systems and the latest innovations done to enhance cancer suicide gene therapy strategies by i) improving vectors for targeted gene delivery using tissue specific promoter and receptors; ii) modification of the tropism; and iii) combining suicide genes and/or classical therapies for cancer. Finally, the authors highlight the main challenges to be addressed in the future. EXPERT OPINION: Even if many efforts are needed for suicide gene therapy to be a real alternative for cancer treatment, we believe that the significant progress made in the knowledge of cancer biology and characterization of cancer stem cells accompanied by the development of novel targeted vectors will enhance the effectiveness of this type of therapeutic strategy. Moreover, combined with current treatments, suicide gene therapy will improve the clinical outcome of patients with cancer in the future.

5-Fluorouracil derivatives: a patent review (2012 - 2014).

INTRODUCTION: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy is the most widely prescribed treatment for gastrointestinal solid tumors, but there are several drawbacks such as toxicities, lack of selectivity and effectiveness as well as the development of resistance that need to be overcome. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors present the latest innovations in 5-FU derivatives or combinations with: i) other chemotherapeutic drugs; ii) novel targeted compounds; iii) radiotherapy; iv) mAbs; v) siRNA strategies; and vi) traditional Chinese medicine extracts. Moreover, advances to overcome or determine 5-FU adverse effects and effectiveness are described. Finally, the authors introduce the ongoing clinical trials and highlight the main challenges to be addressed in the future. EXPERT OPINION: Although in the past few years there has been a great advancement in the antitumor effectiveness and selectivity of 5-FU-based therapies, it is envisaged that future approaches using 'omics' technologies that could determine the tumor heterogeneity may help in identifying additional candidate genes, microRNAs or cytokines involved in both the path mechanisms of 5-FU-related toxicity and its therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the development of novel targeted 5-FU derivatives or 5-FU-based therapies tailored to individual patients opens up new possibilities in the improvement of the quality of life and survival for those suffering from this devastating disease.