Circulating exosomal miRNAs as a promising diagnostic biomarker in cancer

Abstract

Cancer belongs to multifactorial diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of abnormal cells. Breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are the most frequently diagnosed malignancies with a high mortality rate. These carcinomas typically contain multiple genetically distinct subpopulations of tumor cells leading to tumor heterogeneity, which promotes the aggressiveness of the disease. Early diagnosis is necessary to increase patient progression-free survival. Particularly, miRNAs present in exosomes derived from tumors represent potential biomarkers suitable for early cancer diagnosis. Identification of miRNAs by liquid biopsy enables a personalized approach with the subsequent better clinical management of patients. This review article highlights the potential of circulating exosomal miRNAs in early breast, non-small cell lung, and colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Fig. 1

Different functions of miRNAs in oncogenesis