Upregulated serum miR-675 predicts poor prognosis for colorectal cancer

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be promising biomarkers for various types of cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of serum miR-675 in CRC. The expression levels of serum miR-675 in CRC patients and healthy controls were compared by real-time PCR. Then the clinical significance of serum miR-675 in CRC was further evaluated. The serum miR-675 levels in CRC patients were significantly higher compared to healthy volunteers. Serum miR-675 was able to accurately distinguish CRC patients from healthy controls as well as CRC patients with and without recurrence. In addition, increased serum miR-675 level was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. Moreover, CRC patients in the high serum miR-675 group suffered worse 5 year overall survival and recurrence free survival than those in the low serum miR-675 group. Furthermore, serum miR-675 was an independent prognostic factor for CRC. In conclusion, serum miR-675 might serve as a promising biomarker for early detection and prognosis prediction of CRC.