Cell-free and extracellular vesicle microRNAs with clinical utility for solid tumors

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Molecular Oncology
• Translational Cancer Research

Background:

• Circulating molecular biomarkers, including cell-free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and cell-free microRNAs (cfmiRs), are increasingly studied for clinical applications.
• Despite advancements, challenges in applicability, specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility persist for many biomarkers.
• Translational research has significantly advanced the understanding and potential clinical utility of cfmiRs in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the last five years of translational research on cfmiRs in solid tumors.
• To summarize the potential clinical applications of cfmiRs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring.
• To identify areas requiring further research and validation for cfmiR clinical utility.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted using PubMed.
• Inclusion/exclusion criteria focused on tumor types, patient sample size, and clinical applications.
• Identified 136 studies on cfmiRs in solid tumors, categorized by tumor type, organ site, cfmiR count, methodology, and biofluid analyzed.

Main Results:

• A substantial body of translational research exists for cfmiRs in solid tumors.
• Studies analyzed various aspects including tumor origin, number of cfmiRs, analytical methods, and biofluid types.
• The review consolidates findings on cfmiRs' potential in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response monitoring.

Conclusions:

• cfmiRs represent a promising class of biomarkers for solid tumors.
• Further research and validation are crucial to overcome existing challenges and realize their full clinical potential.
• Key areas for future investigation include standardization of methods and broader clinical validation studies.