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MicroRNAs and Treatment with Somatostatin Analogs in Gastro- Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Challenges
Ana Maria Curt1, Ioana Rada Popa Ilie2, Calin Cainap3
1Endocrinology Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj- Napoca, Romania. . anacurt28@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Molecular predictive biomarkers represent an essential tool for the future of personalized oncotherapy. Gastro- entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of epithelial tumors with a steady increase in incidence and prevalence. Their effective management depends on early diagnosis, personalized risk stratification, and monitoring response to therapy. A crucial element is identifying accurate biomarkers to predict/monitor therapeutic responses, assess drug resistance, and quantify residual disease in a reproducible and less invasive way. Taking into consideration their role in cell differentiation, cell proliferation, apoptosis and tumor development, microRNAs have gained interest as potential prognostic markers and treatment response predictors in neuroendocrine neoplasms. This review is the first to summarize the available data on the possible role of microRNAs in evaluating the efficacy of somatostatin analogs treatment in gastro- entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Although the literature is scarce, the let-7 family targeting phosphoinositide 3 kinase - protein kinase B 1 - mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway might represent a promising biomarker with potential clinical benefit, but further research is required before their eventual clinical application. Furthermore, the ambiguous molecular mechanisms of neuroendocrine proliferation and the undefined signaling pathway of somatostatin analogs should encourage future research in this field that may lead to a different clinical approach to neuroendocrine disease.
Insights
MicroRNAs show promise as biomarkers for predicting treatment response in gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. The let-7 family may offer clinical benefits, but further research is needed for application.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are increasing in incidence and require personalized management.
- Accurate biomarkers are crucial for diagnosis, risk stratification, and monitoring treatment response in GEP-NENs.
- MicroRNAs are implicated in cellular processes relevant to tumor development and are emerging as potential biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current data on microRNAs as predictors of somatostatin analog treatment efficacy in GEP-NENs.
- To identify potential microRNA biomarkers for personalized oncotherapy in GEP-NENs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing studies on microRNAs and somatostatin analog treatment in GEP-NENs.
- Analysis of the role of microRNAs in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor development.
Main Results:
- The literature on microRNAs for predicting somatostatin analog response in GEP-NENs is currently limited.
- The let-7 microRNA family, targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, shows potential as a predictive biomarker.
- Further investigation is required to validate the clinical utility of microRNAs in this context.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs, particularly the let-7 family, represent a promising avenue for predicting treatment response in GEP-NENs.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuroendocrine tumor proliferation and somatostatin analog action is essential for future research.
- Further research may lead to novel clinical strategies for managing GEP-NENs.
