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Updated: May 21, 2026

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
08:12

Detection of a Circulating MicroRNA Custom Panel in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Published on: March 14, 2019

The role of microRNAs in colorectal cancer

Aaron J Schetter1, Hirokazu Okayama, Curtis C Harris

  • 1Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.)
|June 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Aberrant microRNA expression plays a key role in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. These microRNAs show potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools for CRC.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is increasingly recognized for its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression.
  • MicroRNAs can function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, contingent upon the cellular context.
  • Altered miRNA expression patterns in CRC correlate with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence implicating microRNAs in the development and progression of colorectal cancer.
  • To highlight the potential of microRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating microRNA expression in colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of research on microRNA-related polymorphisms and their association with CRC.
  • Examination of studies exploring circulating and fecal microRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNA expression is consistently altered in CRC.
  • MicroRNA expression patterns are linked to clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses.
  • MicroRNA polymorphisms are associated with CRC incidence and prognosis.
  • Circulating and fecal microRNAs show promise as noninvasive early detection biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs are integral to colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
  • MicroRNAs represent promising candidates for molecular classification, early detection, and targeted therapy in CRC.

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