Gene Delivery in Cancer Therapy: Next-Generation Platforms and Translational Advances
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: cancer biology; molecular oncology; gene therapy; adenoviral vectors; endocytosis, extracellular vesicles; nanoparticles; nucleic acid therapeutics; experimental therapeutics; targeted drug delivery; tumor microenvironment; translational cancer research
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Gene-based therapeutics have become a central component of modern oncology, enabling precise modulation of tumor biology and offering new opportunities beyond conventional treatment modalities. As these approaches continue to gain clinical relevance, the development of efficient, safe, and tumor-targeted delivery systems remains the key challenge for successful translation. This Special Issue focuses on molecular and translational advances that address this critical bottleneck.
We welcome contributions that explore both established viral vectors, such as adeno-associated and lentiviral platforms, and emerging non-viral technologies designed to overcome limitations related to immunogenicity, packaging capacity, manufacturing scalability, and delivery precision. Particular emphasis is placed on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), extracellular vesicles and exosomes, biomaterial-based carriers, and other next-generation systems that enhance cellular uptake, stability, and controlled release of therapeutic nucleic acids.
Relevant topics include the development of mRNA-based anticancer strategies, optimization of in situ gene delivery within the tumor microenvironment, delivery solutions for CRISPR/Cas genome-editing tools, and studies addressing vector engineering, intracellular trafficking, biodistribution, and safety. We also encourage including research which integrates gene delivery with immunotherapy, chemotherapeutic agents, or radiation-based strategies.
The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular innovations driving the field forward and to highlight delivery platforms with strong potential for clinical translation across solid and hematologic malignancies.
Dr. Ksenija Božinović
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- gene delivery
- gene therapy
- viral vectors
- non-viral vectors
- lipid nanoparticles
- extracellular vesicles
- mRNA therapeutics
- CRISPR/Cas genome editing
- tumor microenvironment
- translational oncology
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