Utilizing MiSeq Sequencing to Detect Circulating microRNAs in Plasma for Improved Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major contributor to cancer-related deaths, but early detection can reduce mortality. NSCLC comprises mainly adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma have emerged as promising biomarkers for NSCLC. However, existing techniques for analyzing miRNAs have limitations, such as restricted target detection and time-consuming procedures. The MiSeqDx System has been shown to overcome these limitations, making it a promising tool for routine clinical settings. We investigated whether the MiSeqDx could profile cell-free circulating miRNAs in plasma and diagnose NSCLC. We sequenced RNA from the plasma of patients with AC and SCC and from cancer-free smokers using the MiSeqDx to profile and compare miRNA expressions. The MiSeqDx exhibits high speed and accuracy when globally analyzing plasma miRNAs. The entire workflow, encompassing RNA to data analysis, was completed in under three days. We also identified panels of plasma miRNA biomarkers that can diagnose NSCLC with 67% sensitivity and 68% specificity, and detect SCC with 90% sensitivity and 94% specificity, respectively. This study is the first to demonstrate that rapid profiling of plasma miRNAs using the MiSeqDx has the potential to offer a straightforward and effective method for the early detection and classification of NSCLC.