Role of Circulating miRNAs in Therapeutic Response in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Revision

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, mostly due to nonspecific symptoms and a lack of screening tests, which, taken together, contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The current clinical biomarker is serum CA-125, which allows the identification of most advanced primary and relapsed disease and correlates with disease burden; however, as well highlighted in the literature, CA-125 often lacks sensitivity and specificity, and is not helpful in monitoring chemotherapeutic response or in predicting the risk of relapse. Given that, the identification of novel biomarkers able to foster more precise medical approaches and the personalization of patient management represents an unmet clinical requirement. In this context, circulating miRNAs may represent an interesting opportunity as they can be easily detected in all biological fluids. This is particularly relevant when looking for non-invasive approaches that can be repeated over time, with no pain and stress for the oncological patient. Given that, the present review aims to describe the circulating miRNAs currently identified as associated with therapeutic treatments in OC and presents a complete overview of the available evidence.

Emerging Role of MicroRNAs in the Therapeutic Response in Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…In the last decade, the clinical value of miRNAs has been widely explored in cancer due to their recognized role in tumor development, progression, and response to therapy. Increasing evidence has shown their importance in mediating several biological processes in CC, while the number of reports investigating miRNAs in the therapeutic response is limited; this appears to be particularly relevant if compared with other cancers, including but not limited to ovarian, lung, or breast cancer ( 46 – 48 ), where the literature body is quickly increasing. In the present review, we aimed to provide an overview of the current literature on tumor tissue and circulating miRNAs significantly associated with therapeutic response in CC.…”

Circulating Biomarkers for Cancer Detection: Could Salivary microRNAs Be an Opportunity for Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics?

“…Body fluids contain several types of molecules: circulating tumor cells, circulating nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles. As miRNAs pass from tissues to blood and are stable in body fluids [ 56 ], circulating miRNAs are suitable BMs for OC detection and staging [ 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ], ( Figure 1 , lower part).…”

Editorial to the Special Issue “MicroRNA in Solid Tumor and Hematological Diseases”

“…This microRNA set could represent an inhibitory tool for a potential therapeutic approach. Ravegnini and colleagues [11] presented a systematic review of circulating microRNAs that were correlated with therapy in epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs). The final analysis pinpointed the miR-200 family as the potential biomarker in EOC.…”