Aims: This review summarizes findings regarding miRNAs that modulate radiation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluates their potential clinical therapeutic uses. Materials & methods: We searched the relevant English-language medical databases for papers on miRNAs and radiation therapy for tumors to identify miRNAs that are linked with radiosensitivity and radioresistance, focusing on those associated with HCC radiation. Results: There were 88 papers assessed for miRNAs associated with tumor radiation, 56 of which dealt with radiosensitization, 21 with radioresistance and 11 with radiosensitization for HCC. Conclusion: Further work in this area would enable future evaluation of radiation responses and the potential use of miRNAs as therapeutic agents in HCC patients.
Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma; microRNAs; radiosensitivity; radiotherapy.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high mortality and poor clinical outcomes. Radiotherapy is necessary for around 70% of cancer patients. As the role of miRNAs in regulating tumor radiosensitivity is more investigated, their significance in the development of HCC and their potential to alter the function of radiation in HCC become increasingly apparent. This review addresses the function of miRNAs in controlling radiation in cancer cells, concentrating on miRNA expression during radiosensitization of HCC and therapeutic uses of these results.