Long non-coding RNAs in oncourology

For several decades, research in tumor biology has focused on the involvement of genes encoding a protein. Only recently has it been discovered that a whole class of molecules called non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a key regulatory role in health and disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides. It has been found that lncRNAs play a fundamental role in the biology of many types of tumors, including tumors of the genitourinary system. As a result, hundreds of clinical trials dedicated to oncourology have begun, using lncRNA as new biomarkers or treatments. Identifying new specific biomarkers, in the form of lncRNAs, will increase the ability to differentiate the tumor and other processes, determine the localization and extent of the tumor, and the ability to predict the course of the disease, and plan treatment. Therapy of tumors, especially malignant ones, is also a difficult task. When surgery and chemotherapy fail, radiation therapy becomes the treatment choice. Therefore, the possibility that lncRNAs could represent innovative therapeutic agents or targets is an exciting idea. However, the possibility of their use in modern clinical practice is limited, and this is associated with several problems at the pre-, analytical and post-analytical stages. Another problem in the study of lncRNAs is the large number and variety of their functions in tumors. Therefore, solving technological problems in lncRNAs study in oncourology may open up new possibilities for lncRNAs use in modern clinical practice.