MicroRNAs’ Crucial Role in Salivary Gland Cancers’ Onset and Prognosis

Abstract

Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is an uncommon and heterogeneous disease that accounts for around 8.5% of all head and neck cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) consist of a class of highly conserved, short, single-stranded segments (18–25 nucleotides) of noncoding RNA that represent key gene-transcription regulators in physiological and pathological human conditions. However, their role in SGC development and progression is not completely clear. This review aims to compile and summarize the recent findings on the topic, focusing on the prognostic and diagnostic value of the major modulated and validated microRNAs in SGC. Their differential expression could possibly aid the clinician in delivering an early diagnosis, therapeutic strategy and precision medicine.

Current Developments in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors: From Structure to Artificial Intelligence

“…EPISPOT (epithelialimmunospot) assay was proven to be successful in detecting circulating tumor cells in breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and melanomas. In the subject of liquid biopsy in salivary gland neoplasms, only a few pilot studies on ACC, MEC and SDC cases were published [ 81 , 82 , 83 ].…”

“…In patients with salivary gland neoplasms, miRNA’s role was studied in cases with MEC and ACC. The results of these studies suggested that it may play a role in salivary gland tumor pathogenesis and prognosis [ 83 ]. Salivary exosomes could represent the foundation for the development of targeted tumor therapy [ 84 ].…”

“…Salivary exosomes could represent the foundation for the development of targeted tumor therapy [ 84 ]. Future clinical trials are needed for liquid biopsy to be used as a diagnostic tool in identifying these neoplasms [ 81 , 82 , 83 ].…”