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Tissue-Based MicroRNAs as Predictors of Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy: What Can We Learn from
Zhongwei Zhao1, Carsten Stephan2,3, Sabine Weickmann4
1Department of Urology, University Hospital Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany. zhongwei.zhao@charite.de.
Abstract:
With the increasing understanding of the molecular mechanism of the microRNAs (miRNAs) in prostate cancer (PCa), the predictive potential of miRNAs has received more attention by clinicians and laboratory scientists. Compared with the traditional prognostic tools based on clinicopathological variables, including the prostate-specific antigen, miRNAs may be helpful novel molecular biomarkers of biochemical recurrence for a more accurate risk stratification of PCa patients after radical prostatectomy and may contribute to personalized treatment. Tissue samples from prostatectomy specimens are easily available for miRNA isolation. Numerous studies from different countries have investigated the role of tissue-miRNAs as independent predictors of disease recurrence, either alone or in combination with other clinicopathological factors. For this purpose, a PubMed search was performed for articles published between 2008 and 2017. We compiled a profile of dysregulated miRNAs as potential predictors of biochemical recurrence and discussed their current clinical relevance. Because of differences in analytics, insufficient power and the heterogeneity of studies, and different statistical evaluation methods, limited consistency in results was obvious. Prospective multi-institutional studies with larger sample sizes, harmonized analytics, well-structured external validations, and reasonable study designs are necessary to assess the real prognostic information of miRNAs, in combination with conventional clinicopathological factors, as predictors of biochemical recurrence.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as novel biomarkers for predicting prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence after surgery. Further research is needed to confirm their clinical utility alongside traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly understood for their role in prostate cancer (PCa) molecular mechanisms.
- Traditional prognostic tools for PCa rely on clinicopathological variables, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the predictive potential of miRNAs as novel biomarkers for biochemical recurrence in PCa patients post-radical prostatectomy.
- To assess the clinical relevance of dysregulated miRNAs in risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies for PCa.
Main Methods:
- A PubMed search was conducted for studies published between 2008 and 2017.
- Compiled data on dysregulated miRNAs as potential predictors of biochemical recurrence.
- Reviewed existing literature on tissue-miRNAs as independent predictors of disease recurrence.
Main Results:
- Numerous studies investigated tissue-miRNAs, alone or with clinicopathological factors, for predicting recurrence.
- Identified dysregulated miRNAs as potential predictors of biochemical recurrence.
- Observed limited consistency in results due to analytical differences, study heterogeneity, and varying statistical methods.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs hold potential as molecular biomarkers for predicting PCa recurrence and improving risk stratification.
- Current evidence shows inconsistency, necessitating larger, prospective, multi-institutional studies with harmonized analytics and validation.
- Future research should focus on validating miRNAs in combination with conventional factors for reliable prognostic information.