MicroRNAs Sensitize Cancers to Therapy

Abstract

The present invention concerns methods and compositions regarding one or more microRNAs or variants thereof that are provided to an individual for a variety of medical treatments, including sensitization to cancer therapy or prevention of a cancer to become sensitized to a cancer therapy. In specific embodiments, the microRNAs include miR-520a (including at least miR-520a-3p and miR-520-5p), miR-520g, miR-520h, and functional variants thereof. In some embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer, and in particular embodiments, the cancer therapy is platinum-based chemotherapy.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of sensitizing uterine cancer in an individual to a cancer treatment that is platinum-based chemotherapy, comprising the step of administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition as follows:
 a RNA polynucleotide comprising SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, or SEQ ID NO:3,   wherein upon administering the composition to the individual, the uterine cancer is thereby sensitized to the platinum-based chemotherapy treatment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is delivered to the individual by liposome, nanosphere, nanoparticle, nanodiamonds, impregnanted polymer, multistage nanoparticles and/or gels. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is delivered to the individual intravenously or intraperitoneally. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is delivered to the individual prior to the cancer treatment. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is delivered to the individual subsequent to the cancer treatment. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is delivered to the individual concomitantly with the cancer treatment.