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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
03:36
Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
840
MicroRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Qi-Wei Liu1, Zi-Qin Liu1, Ming Wang2
1Key Laboratory of Cell Behavior, School of Medicine, Xuchang University, Xuchang, China.
Epigenomics
|February 2, 2026
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). While tissue miRNA profiles link to prognosis and spread, challenges remain for clinical use, necessitating further research for early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive cancer with a need for better early diagnosis and prognosis.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), regulators of gene expression, are emerging as potential biomarkers for ESCC.
- Current diagnostic and prognostic tools for ESCC have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on miRNA expression in ESCC.
- To focus on the role of miRNAs in lymphatic dissemination and prognosis.
- To explore the potential of circulating miRNAs for early detection and monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed up to 2025.
- Analysis of studies on miRNA expression in ESCC tissues.
- Evaluation of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Main Results:
- miRNA profiles in ESCC tissues are associated with lymphatic spread, tumor progression, and patient survival.
- Clinical application of tissue miRNAs is hindered by sensitivity, specificity, and standardization issues.
- Circulating miRNAs offer potential for minimally invasive early detection and treatment monitoring.
Conclusions:
- miRNA-based biomarkers hold significant potential for improving early diagnosis and prognostic assessment in ESCC.
- Further standardization and validation are required for clinical translation of miRNA biomarkers.
- Circulating miRNAs represent a promising avenue for non-invasive ESCC management.
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