Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential of Circulating Long Non-Coding RNAs in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Approximately 80% of lung cancer cases are non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However current diagnostic and therapeutic modalities against NSCLC are ineffective due to incomplete understanding of molecular pathogenesis of NSCLC. Emerging evidence shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can function as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. LncRNAs can control transcription, translation, and protein function via diverse mechanisms although they lack the protein coding potential. LncRNAs have attracted intense investigations on their roles in cancer. Mounting evidence indicates that lncRNAs are promising biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis for NSCLC, especially their presence in body fluids. Herein we will review recent advances in the research that explores the diagnostic and prognostic potentials of lncRNAs in NSCLC. We will also discuss emerging evidence that suggested lncRNAs as therapeutic targets in NSCLC.