Oncology remains the largest application area for nucleic acid therapeutics in Europe. RNA interference (RNAi) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are being used to "silence" oncogenes that were previously considered "undruggable" by traditional means. By targeting the messenger RNA (mRNA) before it can be translated into a harmful protein, these therapies offer a level of specificity that significantly reduces the side effects typically associated with chemotherapy.

According to research into the Europe Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Market, the oncology segment is witnessing intense competition among key players like Novartis and AstraZeneca. These firms are investing in "ligand-modified" siRNA conjugates that can be delivered directly to liver or bone marrow cells with surgical precision. The integration of diagnostic imaging with nucleic acid delivery—often referred to as "theranostics"—is also gaining traction in European research hospitals, allowing clinicians to monitor the distribution of the therapeutic RNA in real-time to ensure maximum efficacy and patient safety.