Profiling small RNAs in fecal immunochemical tests: is it possible?

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening relies on fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), but their sensitivity for premalignant lesions is limited.
• There is a need for complementary molecular tests to improve the identification of individuals requiring colonoscopy.
• Fecal microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC diagnosis and prognosis.

Discussion:

• This study assessed the feasibility of using small RNA sequencing to detect human miRNAs in leftover FIT buffer from European screening populations.
• The miRNA profiles obtained were comparable to those from samples collected using standard RNA stabilizing buffers or from archived specimens.
• Differential miRNA abundances were observed for CRC, advanced adenoma, and control groups, consistent across different sample collection methods.

Key Insights:

• Robust detection of human miRNAs is achievable in FIT leftover buffer using small RNA sequencing.
• Fecal miRNA profiles in FIT samples can differentiate between colorectal cancer, advanced adenoma, and control individuals.
• The analysis of small RNA sequencing data also enables the concurrent assessment of microbial profiles.

Outlook:

• Fecal miRNA analysis in FIT samples offers a scalable approach to complement existing CRC screening programs.
• This method can improve the identification of individuals who would benefit most from colonoscopy.
• Further research can validate these findings in larger, diverse populations for clinical implementation.