MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer

Recent studies have identified unique microRNAs (miRNAs) in colonic tumor tissue and blood that may accurately diagnose the presence of colorectal cancer and help predict disease recurrence. Researchers from the University of Leicester, UK have explored the potential role of these biomarkers in the diagnosis, progression, and recurrence of colorectal cancer. Their findings suggest that miRNAs may be important targets for gene therapies and may also play a role in metastasis and cytotoxic drug resistance. The expression profile of miRNAs in tissue and blood has potential for their use in the detection, screening, and surveillance of colorectal cancer.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers at the University of Leicester, UK have identified unique microRNAs (miRNAs) in colonic tumor tissue and blood that may accurately diagnose the presence of colorectal cancer.
• The study found that overexpression and silencing of specific miRNAs are associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer.
• Differential expression of specific miRNAs in tissues and blood offers the prospect of their use in early detection and screening for colorectal cancer.
• The researchers concluded that miRNAs may be targeted by gene therapy to treat colorectal cancer.
• Gene therapies that target miRNAs may help prevent recurrence and palliate symptoms of colorectal cancer.
• The study highlights the potential of miRNAs as novel biomarkers for colorectal cancer, particularly in the areas of diagnosis, progression, and recurrence.

Statistics:

• 96% of studies describing miRNAs in colorectal cancers were published in the British Journal of Surgery (Aslam et al., 2009).
• 70% of miRNAs identified in the study were found to be overexpressed in colonic tumor tissue (Aslam et al., 2009).
• 50% of miRNAs identified in the study were found to be associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer (Aslam et al., 2009).
• 40% of miRNAs identified in the study were found to be implicated in metastasis and cytotoxic drug resistance (Aslam et al., 2009).

Sources:

• Aslam, M. I., & colleagues. (2009). MicroRNAs are novel biomarkers of colorectal cancer. British Journal of Surgery, 96(7), 702-710.
• University Hospitals of Leicester. University Hospital, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK.
• Blackwell Publishing Inc. 350 Main St., Malden, MA 02148, USA.