RNA‐Based and Gene Therapy Approaches in Cancer Treatment

Cancer continues to be a significant global health issue because of genetic diversity, resistance to treatment, and the shortcomings of standard therapies. Progress in molecular medicine has made RNA-based treatments and gene-editing technologies look like promising tools for precision oncology. This chapter reviews the evolution, mechanisms, clinical translation, and future potential of RNA- and gene-based cancer therapies, including small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, and CRISPR-based genome editing systems. The historical development of gene therapy and RNA interference is outlined, followed by mechanistic insights into RNA-mediated gene regulation and CRISPR-driven genome modification. A critical discussion is provided for preclinical and clinical research demonstrating immune cell engineering, tumor-suppressor restoration, and oncogene silencing. Delivery technologies that are essential to both therapeutic efficacy and safety are highlighted, including lipid nanoparticles, viral and nonviral vectors, and exosome-based systems. Rapid translational advancement is demonstrated by current clinical trials, such as CRISPR-engineered immune cells and customized mRNA vaccines. Recent translational advances, exemplified by clinical trials involving CRISPR-engineered immune cells and personalised mRNA cancer vaccines, underscore the rapid progress of this field toward clinical implementation. Finally, major challenges and emerging developments influencing future oncology applications are examined.