New insights into MicroRNAs involves in drug resistance in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for nearly 40% of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases. The combined chemotherapy of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) is considered as the standard therapy for DLBCL; however, nearly half of the patients become refractory to the R-CHOP regimen. Early identification of drug resistance and therapeutic failures are crucial for the identification of high-risk patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small and non-coding RNAs negatively regulating gene expression through binding to their target mRNAs. Recent studies demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in chemotherapeutic drug resistance in tumor. In our review, we summarize the current evidence on the role of miRNAs in the prediction and modulation of cellular response to rituximab, cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone in DLBCL.