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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR
Published on: May 16, 2012
Urinary microRNAs for prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response: are we there yet?
Ovidiu Balacescu1, Bogdan Petrut2, Oana Tudoran1
1Department of Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men. Despite the tremendous progress in research over the years, a suitable minimally invasive PCa biomarker is yet to be discovered. The recent advances regarding the roles of microRNAs as biomarkers has allowed for their study in PCa as well, especially as blood-based markers. However, there are several studies that used urine as biological sample to evaluate microRNAs as biomarkers for PCa diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response, which were reviewed herein. A high degree of inconsistency among reports has been observed, which could be due to several analytical aspects, starting with different urinary fractions used for analysis and continuing with the employment of various analytical platforms and methods of statistical analysis. However, a few microRNAs were found to be dysregulated in the urine of PCa patients, which alone or together with serum prostate-specific antigen seem to improve diagnostic power even in the gray zone of PCa. These results warrant further confirmation by larger prospective studies, preferably using a standardized protocol for analysis. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1438. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1438 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Insights
Urine microRNAs show potential as biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and prognosis. Further studies with standardized methods are needed to confirm their diagnostic accuracy, especially when combined with prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Urology
Background:
- Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer death in men.
- Minimally invasive biomarkers for PCa are still needed.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising biomarkers, particularly in blood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies evaluating urinary microRNAs as biomarkers for PCa.
- To assess the diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment response potential of urinary miRNAs in PCa.
- To identify challenges and inconsistencies in current research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on urinary microRNAs in prostate cancer.
- Analysis of studies using urine as a biological sample for miRNA biomarker evaluation.
- Examination of various analytical platforms and statistical methods employed.
Main Results:
- Inconsistency observed in reported results due to differing urinary fractions, analytical platforms, and statistical methods.
- Several microRNAs identified as dysregulated in the urine of PCa patients.
- Urinary miRNAs, alone or with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), may enhance diagnostic power, especially in ambiguous cases.
Conclusions:
- Urinary microRNAs hold promise as minimally invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer.
- Standardization of analytical protocols is crucial for reliable results.
- Larger prospective studies are required to validate these findings and confirm diagnostic utility.
