What radiologists should know about microRNA (miRNA) serum biomarkers for germ cell tumors

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2021 Feb;46(2):745-748. doi: 10.1007/s00261-020-02703-3. Epub 2020 Aug 17.

Abstract

MicroRNAs expressed by germ cell tumors represent a novel approach to detection of metastatic disease during staging, surveillance, and recurrence post-therapy. It has particular promise in settings of equivocal imaging, such as clinical stage I GCT, tumor marker negative stage IIA, or after chemotherapy. These miRNAs have the potential to change typical serum marker evaluation and imaging surveillance schedules.

Keywords: Germ cell tumor; NSGCT; Seminoma; Testicle; Tumor marker.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal* / genetics
  • Radiologists
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs