Role of microRNAs on therapy resistance in Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies that originate in lymphatic hematopoietic tissue. Chemotherapy has been used as the main therapy for NHL all the time, and local radiotherapy is also a necessary approach to supplementary treatment. However, resistance of tumor cells to chemo- and radiotherapy often prevent a successful long-term treatment of NHL. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of approximately 22-nucleotide endogenous non-coding RNAs that play an important regulatory role in gene expression, involving in the process of cell proliferation and differentiation. Alterations of miRNAs have been reported in a variety of human cancers, such as lymphomas, and will critically influence the tumor development and progression. Recently, there is increasing evidence that miRNAs could also influence sensitivity of tumor cells to chemo- and radiotherapy, revealing a crucial role of microRNAs in resistance to anticancer treatment. Therefore, understanding the role of miRNAs in chemo- and radio-resistance of tumor and targeting specific miRNAs will open novel avenues for lymphoma treatment and improve the prognosis of NHL patients. This review outlines the role of miRNAs associated with chemo-and radiotherapy resistance in NHL.