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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier (MSC) for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
Circulating miRNAs for glioblastoma monitoring: from biofluid to clinical decision
Arthur Leclerc1,2, Evelyne Emery2,3, Guénaëlle Levallet1,4
1Université de Caen Normandie, CNRS, Normandie Université, ISTCT UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, 14000 Caen, France.
Abstract:
Gliomas, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), remain highly lethal brain tumors with limited treatments. MRI-based monitoring lacks specificity in distinguishing progression from treatment effects. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs involved in tumor biology, show promise as liquid biopsy biomarkers. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for clinical studies investigating circulating miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers in glioma, across plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs) such as miR-21, miR-10b, miR-182, and miR-210 were consistently upregulated in glioma patients, whereas tumor suppressors including miR-124, miR-128, miR-137, and miR-181 family members were downregulated. Prognostically, elevated miR-21, miR-222, and miR-196b correlated with poor survival, while reduced miR-181d, miR-100, and miR-145 predicted worse outcomes. Composite signatures, particularly exosomal or CSF-derived panels, outperformed single markers. Dynamic changes in miR-21, miR-222, and miR-210 reflected treatment response or progression, with exosomal miR-1238 emerging as a marker of temozolomide resistance. Longitudinal serum levels of miR-223 and miR-320e correlated with MRI tumor volume and distinguished true progression from pseudo-progression. Circulating miRNAs show strong potential as minimally invasive biomarkers for glioma management, but clinical translation remains limited by technical and biological variability and lack of validation. Advances in biosensors, multi-omics, and standardization are key to clinical integration.
Insights
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) show potential as liquid biopsy biomarkers for glioma, with specific miRNAs indicating diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. Further validation is needed for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Gliomas, including glioblastoma (GBM), are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognoses and limited therapeutic options.
- Current MRI monitoring struggles to differentiate tumor progression from treatment effects, necessitating improved diagnostic tools.
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising liquid biopsy biomarkers due to their role in tumor biology and stability in bodily fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive roles of circulating miRNAs in glioma patients.
- To identify specific miRNA biomarkers and panels with potential for clinical application in glioma management.
- To assess the current limitations and future directions for the clinical translation of circulating miRNAs in glioma.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
- Studies investigating circulating miRNAs in plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of glioma patients were included.
- Data on miRNA expression levels, their correlation with clinical outcomes, and treatment response were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Oncogenic miRNAs (e.g., miR-21, miR-10b) were upregulated, while tumor suppressors (e.g., miR-124, miR-128) were downregulated in glioma patients.
- Specific miRNAs (e.g., miR-21, miR-222) showed prognostic value, correlating with patient survival.
- Dynamic changes in miRNAs, particularly in CSF and exosomes, reflected treatment response and resistance, with composite signatures outperforming single markers.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNAs hold significant potential as minimally invasive biomarkers for glioma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring.
- While promising, clinical translation is hindered by technical variability and the need for robust validation.
- Advancements in biosensing technology, multi-omics approaches, and standardization are crucial for integrating miRNA biomarkers into clinical practice.
