MicroRNAs as biomarkers and perspectives in the therapy of pancreatic cancer

Mol Cell Biochem. 2021 Dec;476(12):4191-4203. doi: 10.1007/s11010-021-04233-y. Epub 2021 Jul 29.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is considered as one of the most aggressive tumor types, representing over 45,750 mortality cases annually in the USA solely. The aggressive nature and late identification of pancreatic cancer, combined with the restrictions of existing chemotherapeutics, present the mandatory need for the advancement of novel treatment systems. Ongoing reports have shown an important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation, migration, and metastasis of malignancies. Besides, abnormal transcriptional levels of miRNAs have regularly been related with etiopathogenesis of pancreatic malignancy, underlining the conceivable utilization of miRNAs in the management of pancreatic disease patients. In this review article, we give a concise outline of molecular pathways involved in etiopathogenesis of pancreatic cancer patients as well as miRNA implications in pancreatic cancer patients. Ensuing sections describe the involvement of miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of pancreatic cancer patients. The involvement of miRNAs in the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancers was also discussed. End area portrays the substance of survey with future headings.

Keywords: Cancer diagnosis; Cancer prognosis; Cancer therapy; Pancreatic cancer; miRNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / administration & dosage
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs