The Molecular Genetic Expression as a Novel Biomarker in the Evaluation and Monitoring of Patients With Osteosarcoma-Subtype Bone Cancer Disease

Biochem Genet. 2017 Aug;55(4):291-299. doi: 10.1007/s10528-017-9801-1. Epub 2017 Apr 19.

Abstract

One of the leading causes of death among patients with malignancies is represented by bone cancer. According to current studies, the leading cause of death among these patients is represented by late diagnosis, poor response to therapy, and the lack of accuracy in terms of clinical evaluation. In this regard, there have been developed a series of methods of diagnosis and evaluation, the most investigated being represented by miRNA expression. In this updated work, we want to present a series of changes in the expression of miRNAs in bone cancer. Moreover, we want to present the implications of miRNAs in targeted therapy in such patients. Studies available in scientific databases such as PubMed and Scopus were examined. The studies were searched using the keywords "miRNAs expression", "bone cancer", "genetic therapy" and "genetic biomarkers." For the evaluation and monitoring of bone cancer, the expression of miRNAs can be successfully used due to increased specificity. Using miRNAs as gene therapy can be also considered a therapeutic method of the future, mainly due to selective and targeted response of the body.

Keywords: Bone cancer; Epigenetic biomarkers; miRNA expression.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Bone Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Osteosarcoma / genetics*
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs