Extracellular circulating miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises 85% of all lung cancers and is a malignant condition resistant to advanced-stage treatment. Despite the advancement in detection and treatment techniques, the disease is taking a deadly toll worldwide, being the leading cause of cancer death every year. Current diagnostic methods do not ensure the detection of the disease at an early stage, nor can they predict the risk of its development. There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that can help predict an individual’s risk of developing NSCLC, distinguish NSCLC subtype, allow monitor disease and treatment progression which can improve patient survival. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) represent the class of small and non-coding RNAs involved in gene expression regulation, influencing many biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Research reports significant differences in miRNA profiles between healthy and neoplastic tissues in NSCLC. Its abundant presence in biofluids, such as serum, blood, urine, and saliva, makes them easily detectable and does not require invasive collection techniques. Many studies support miRNAs’ importance in detecting, predicting, and prognosis of NSCLC, indicating their utility as a promising biomarker. In this work, we reviewed up-to-date research focusing on biofluid miRNAs’ role as a diagnostic tool in NSCLC cases. We also discussed the limitations of applying miRNAs as biomarkers and highlighted future areas of interest.

Exosome-mediated mechanisms in lung cancer metastasis and advancements in medical submission: A comprehensive review

“…Exosomes have been associated with developing resistance to anti-cancer treatments due to their function in cell communication. For example, Raczkowska et al (2023) transmit essential components such as P-glycoprotein, which start the signaling cascades required for drug resistance. Exosomes have been associated with cisplatin resistance in lung cancer through hypoxic activation of the pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (PKM2), which increases glycolysis and creates an acidic microenvironment.…”

MiRNAs and Microbiota in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Implications in Pathogenesis and Potential Role in Predicting Response to ICI Treatment

“…Several studies have focused on the role of circulating and tissue miRNAs, which represent new potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis of patients with NSCLC [ 37 , 38 ].…”