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Updated: May 24, 2025
A Standardized Liquid Biopsy Preanalytical Protocol for Downstream Circulating-Free DNA Applications
Published on: September 16, 2022
Circulating non-coding RNAs as a tool for liquid biopsy in solid tumors
Beyza Karaca Dogan1, Seda Salman Yilmaz1,2, Gizem Nur Izgi1
1Department of Medical Genetics, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkiye.
Abstract:
Solid tumors are significant causes of global mortality and morbidity. Recent research has primarily concentrated on finding pathology-specific molecules that can be acquired non-invasively and that can change as the disease progresses or in response to treatment. The focus of research has moved to RNA molecules that are either freely circulating in body fluids or bundled in microvesicles and exosomes because of their great stability in challenging environments, ease of accessibility, and changes in level in response to therapy. In this context, there are many non-coding RNAs that can be used for this purpose in liquid biopsies. Out of these, microRNAs have been extensively studied. However, there has been an increase of interest in studying long non-coding RNAs, piwi interacting RNAs, circular RNAs, and other small non-coding RNAs. In this article, an overview of the most researched circulating non-coding RNAs in solid tumors will be reviewed, along with a discussion of the significance of these molecules for early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets. The publications analyzed were extracted from the PubMed database between 2008 and June 2024.
Insights
Circulating non-coding RNAs in liquid biopsies show promise for early cancer diagnosis and monitoring treatment response in solid tumors. Research highlights microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and other small RNAs for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Solid tumors are a major global health burden, driving research into non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring tools.
- Liquid biopsies offer a promising avenue for detecting cancer-specific molecules due to their accessibility and dynamic changes with disease progression or treatment.
- Circulating non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are gaining attention for their stability and potential as biomarkers in body fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the most researched circulating non-coding RNAs in solid tumors.
- To discuss the significance of these ncRNAs for early diagnosis, prognosis, and as therapeutic targets.
- To provide an overview of advancements in the field based on literature from 2008 to June 2024.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of the PubMed database.
- Analysis of publications focusing on circulating non-coding RNAs in solid tumors.
- Review of studies investigating the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of these molecules.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been extensively studied as circulating biomarkers.
- Increasing interest is observed in other ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), piwi interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs).
- These circulating ncRNAs demonstrate potential for non-invasive early diagnosis, predicting patient outcomes, and guiding therapeutic strategies in solid tumors.
Conclusions:
- Circulating non-coding RNAs represent a valuable class of biomarkers for solid tumors.
- Their utility spans early detection, prognosis assessment, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into diverse ncRNA species in liquid biopsies is warranted to fully harness their clinical potential.
