siRNA-based nanotherapeutics for malignant and non-malignant diffuse parenchymal lung diseases

The diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) such as lung fibrosis and lung cancer are diagnosed by conventional radiological and pathological techniques. Nanotheranostics based on RNA interference may prove to be a game changer in DPLD. siRNA nanoformulations can play a critical role in initial diagnosis of disease: delineation of extent of disease/staging; determining tumor volume, rate of progression, surgery and radiotherapy for DPLD; defining progression and response to therapy; and targeted delivery to specific cell types. The present review addresses the existing status of siRNA nanotheranostics in DPLD- malignant and non-malignant, the upcoming siRNA nanocarrier delivery techniques for imaging and therapy, the difficulties being faced in their clinical translation and the road ahead. These may help in early detection strategies and enable early interventions in DPLD. Further the review identifies the key challenges such as toxicity and biosafety of these nanomaterials and the available nano strategies to overcome these issues.