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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier MSC for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
MicroRNAs diagnostic and prognostic value as predictive markers for malignant mesothelioma
Elena Sturchio1, Maria Grazia Berardinelli1, Priscilla Boccia1
1Department of Technological Innovation and Safety of Plants, Product and Anthropic Settlements (DIT), Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor resistant to current therapies with a latency period ranging between 20 and 60 years, caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, that continues to represent a social and healthcare issue. The high percentage of people exposed to asbestos for professional or environmental reasons is associated with the high biopersistence of its fibers and with its widespread use in the last century. Approximately 20-40% of men report an occupational history that might have caused the workplace exposure (criteria Helsinki, 1997). Some authors are evaluating the possible use of bioindicators as a screening and early diagnosis tool. In this regard, the use of microRNAs has been proposed as powerful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many tumors and human diseases. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on the key role of microRNAs expression as new malignant mesothelioma biomarkers, in early clinical diagnostic applications.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure, is difficult to treat. MicroRNAs show promise as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for this aggressive tumor.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with long latency, primarily caused by asbestos inhalation.
- Occupational asbestos exposure remains a significant public health concern.
- Current therapies for malignant mesothelioma have limited efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on microRNA expression as potential biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma.
- To explore the role of microRNAs in early clinical diagnostic applications for this disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microRNA expression studies in malignant mesothelioma.
- Analysis of diagnostic and prognostic potential of microRNAs.
- Evaluation of microRNAs as bioindicators for asbestos-related diseases.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs are emerging as sensitive and specific biomarkers for various cancers.
- Altered microRNA expression profiles are associated with malignant mesothelioma development and progression.
- MicroRNAs offer potential for early detection and risk stratification.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA expression analysis represents a promising avenue for early diagnosis and prognosis of malignant mesothelioma.
- Further research into microRNA biomarkers could lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
- MicroRNAs may serve as valuable bioindicators for asbestos-exposed populations.
