Non-coding RNAs as emerging biomarkers in melanoma.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with increasing incidence and poor outcomes in advanced stages.
• Current biomarkers for melanoma lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity for early detection and prognosis.
• Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in melanoma development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on ncRNAs as biomarkers in melanoma.
• To highlight the potential of ncRNAs in early detection, prognostic stratification, and predicting treatment response.
• To discuss advancements in ncRNA profiling and clinical translation for melanoma management.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review synthesizing existing research on ncRNAs in melanoma.
• The review analyzes studies focusing on microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs.
• It also discusses methodological and translational challenges.

Main Results:

• ncRNAs play critical roles in melanoma initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
• ncRNAs exhibit stability in biofluids, making them suitable for minimally invasive diagnostics.
• Evidence suggests ncRNAs can aid in early detection, prognosis, and treatment response prediction.

Conclusions:

• ncRNAs hold significant promise as novel biomarkers for melanoma.
• Integrating ncRNA-based assays could advance precision oncology for melanoma.
• Further research and development are needed for clinical implementation of ncRNA diagnostics.