Circulating microRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in prostate cancer: Current status and future perspectives

J Cell Biochem. 2019 Oct;120(10):16316-16329. doi: 10.1002/jcb.29053. Epub 2019 Jun 30.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies among men. Despite advancement in technology and medicine over past decades, late diagnosis remains a critical milestone in effective treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel and reliable biomarkers which are specifically sensitive and specific for prognosis and prediction of clinical outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in posttranslational regulations of genes. Circulating and exosomal miRNAs can be applied as useful diagnostic markers for a different type of malignancies, including PCa. Herein, we summarized various roles of miRNAs (diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic) in PCa. Moreover, we highlighted exosomal miRNAs as a new candidate in diagnosis and monitoring response to therapy in patients with PCa.

Keywords: biomarker; microRNA; prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
  • Circulating MicroRNA / blood*
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Exosomes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / blood*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • RNA, Neoplasm / blood*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Circulating MicroRNA
  • RNA, Neoplasm