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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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microRNAs are important players in head and neck carcinoma: a review

Joanna Janiszewska1, Marcin Szaumkessel, Krzysztof Szyfter

  • 1Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Environmental Mutagenesis, 60-479 Poznań, Poland.

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|August 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Head and neck cancer treatment remains challenging, with limited success for surgery and chemotherapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as a targeted therapy for these tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Head and neck tumors have historically poor treatment outcomes.
  • Surgery and chemotherapy show limited efficacy due to tumor resistance.
  • Radiotherapy offers some progress, but targeted therapies are highly anticipated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of microRNAs (miRNAs) in head and neck cancers.
  • To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic tools.
  • To summarize the role of miRNAs in the molecular carcinogenesis of these malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies published after 2000.
  • Analysis of research on microRNA expression and function in head and neck malignancies.
  • Focus on squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Main Results:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as significant players in cancer research.
  • miRNAs exhibit high specificity and correlate with clinicopathological parameters.
  • Extensive investigations highlight their potential in understanding cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs represent a promising avenue for targeted therapy in head and neck cancers.
  • Further research into miRNAs could lead to novel diagnostic and prognostic strategies.
  • Understanding miRNA roles is crucial for advancing head and neck cancer treatment.
Keywords:
DNA methylationExpressionHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)Prognostic markersReviewmiRNA

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