Linc00261: A potential liquid biopsy biomarker for colorectal cancer early detection and prognosis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide; thus, early diagnosis is crucial. Linc00261, a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) linked to cancers, including CRC, requires clarification of its clinical utility. This study explored plasma Linc00261 level in CRC patients and its association with progression.

Linc00261 expression was measured via qRT-PCR in vitro (CRC cell lines HCT116, Caco-2, SW620; normal colon line CCD 112 CoN) and in plasma from CRC patients (n = 90) and controls (n = 30). Conventional biomarkers CEA and CA 19.9 were measured via chemiluminescence.

Linc00261 was significantly decreased in all CRC patients versus controls. Levels were significantly lower in both early-stage (I-II) and late-stage (III-IV) patients versus controls, in late-stage versus early-stage patients, and in stage IV versus stage III patients. Linc00261 was significantly negatively correlated with tumor stage, tumor size, CEA, and CA 19.9. Linc00261 also demonstrated superior diagnostic utility over CEA and CA 19.9 for CRC diagnosis.

Linc00261 is a potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for CRC and may be an important molecular mediator in CRC pathogenesis.