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MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier (MSC) for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
Circulating microRNAs: potential biomarkers for cancer
De-Cai Yu1, Qing-Guo Li, Xi-Wei Ding
1Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; E-Mails: dryudecai@hotmail.com (D.-C.Y.); lqg0235062@163.com (Q.-G.L.); dxw0008@sina.com (X.-W.D.).
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 16, 2011
Summary
Cancer early detection needs better biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small molecules regulating genes, show altered levels in cancer and are stable in circulation, making them promising diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer is a leading global cause of death, necessitating improved early detection methods.
- Minimally invasive biomarkers are crucial for reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of microRNAs as minimally invasive biomarkers for early cancer detection.
- To investigate the role of dysregulated miRNA expression in cancer initiation and progression.
- To evaluate the utility of circulating miRNAs for cancer diagnosis, classification, and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA expression profiles in cancer.
- Assessment of the stability of circulating miRNAs.
- Review of emerging evidence on miRNA involvement in tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs are found to be dysregulated in various cancers.
- Circulating miRNAs exhibit notable stability, suggesting their suitability for biomarker development.
- Altered miRNA expression is linked to tumor initiation and progression.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulated and stable circulating microRNAs represent promising biomarkers for early cancer detection.
- miRNAs can aid in cancer diagnosis, classification, therapeutic decision-making, and prognosis.
- Further research into miRNAs could significantly advance cancer management strategies.
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