From diagnosis to resistance: a symphony of miRNAs in pheochromocytoma progression and treatment response

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024 Apr;397(4):1957-1969. doi: 10.1007/s00210-023-02759-0. Epub 2023 Oct 6.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor that produces and secretes catecholamine from either the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal locations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) can be used as biomarkers to detect cancer or the return of a previously treated disease. Blood-borne miRNAs might be envisioned as noninvasive markers of malignancy or prognosis, and new studies demonstrate that microRNAs are released in body fluids as well as tissues. MiRNAs have the potential to be therapeutic targets, which would greatly increase the restricted therapy options for adrenal tumors. This article aims to consolidate and synthesize the most recent studies on miRNAs in PCC, discussing their potential clinical utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers while also addressing their limitations.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Drug resistance; Pheochromocytoma (PCC); Prognosis; miRNA.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs*
  • Pheochromocytoma* / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma* / genetics
  • Pheochromocytoma* / pathology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Biomarkers, Tumor