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Updates and current challenges in microRNA research for personalized medicine in ovarian cancer
Victoria Mandilaras1, Mégane Vernon2,3, Matthieu Meryet-Figuière2,3
1a Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Canada.
Introduction:
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common and the most lethal of the gynecological malignancies. Currently, there exists no effective screening tool for OC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous 18-23 nucleotide non-coding RNAs that refine gene expression. MiRNAs have been found to be aberrantly expressed in OC tumor tissue as well as detectable in biological fluids such as the blood, urine, and ascites and have been proposed as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OC. Areas covered: This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the application of miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in OC. It describes the various tissues allowing for the analysis of miRNAs such as tumor tissue, blood, ascites and urine. It also highlights the potential of miRNAs as a therapy in other cancers and how these therapies may be applied to ovarian cancer. Expert opinion: The study of miRNAs is an innovative and promising field for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Methodological issues surrounding their detection and application therapeutically remain, such as the study of various OC histotypes within the same cohort, the choice of 'normal tissue' for comparison and the difficulties surrounding the choice of a normalization miRNA.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for ovarian cancer (OC) detection and treatment. Further research is needed to overcome methodological challenges for their clinical application in diagnosing and treating this lethal gynecological malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of gynecological cancer deaths with no effective screening.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression.
- Aberrant miRNA expression in OC tissues and fluids suggests their potential as biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current applications of miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers in ovarian cancer.
- To discuss sample types for miRNA analysis (tissue, blood, urine, ascites).
- To explore miRNA-based therapeutic potential for ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on miRNAs in ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of various sample sources for miRNA detection.
- Evaluation of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- MiRNAs are detectable in tumor tissue and biological fluids (blood, urine, ascites).
- MiRNAs show potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for OC.
- MiRNA-based therapies are being explored for other cancers and may apply to OC.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA research offers innovative approaches for ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Methodological challenges, including histotype variability and normalization, require further investigation for clinical translation.
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