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Circulating non-coding RNAs in recurrent and metastatic ovarian cancer
Heidi Schwarzenbach1, Peter B Gahan2
1Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
Cancer Drug Resistance (Alhambra, Calif.)
|May 18, 2022
Summary
This review focuses on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in ovarian cancer metastasis and recurrence. Circulating ncRNAs in liquid biopsies show promise as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for this lethal gynecological malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis due to late-stage detection and frequent chemotherapy resistance, leading to disease relapse.
- Metastasis in ovarian cancer involves spread through peritoneal fluid, affecting pelvic and distal organs.
- Small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs, are key regulators of gene expression and cellular pathways in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of circulating plasma and serum ncRNAs in ovarian cancer cell migration, invasion, recurrence, and metastasis.
- To discuss the potential of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets and tumor markers for ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating non-coding RNAs in ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of the role of ncRNAs in gene expression modulation and cellular signaling.
- Examination of ncRNAs detected in liquid biopsies (plasma and serum).
Main Results:
- Dysregulated ncRNAs are implicated in the progression, metastasis, and recurrence of ovarian cancer.
- Circulating ncRNAs in liquid biopsies can reflect tumor activity and behavior.
- ncRNAs are involved in regulating tumor cell migration and invasion.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs play a critical role in ovarian cancer metastasis and chemoresistance.
- Circulating ncRNAs hold significant potential as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer.
- Targeting ncRNAs presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies in ovarian cancer treatment.
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