Unlocking the Potential of Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers in Glioblastoma

Abstract

Using microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential circulating biomarkers in diagnosing and treating glioblastoma (GBM) has garnered a lot of scientific and clinical impetus in the past decade. As an aggressive primary brain tumor, GBM poses challenges in early detection and effective treatment with significant current diagnostic constraints and limited therapeutic strategies. MiRNA dysregulation is present in GBM. The intricate involvement of miRNAs in altering cell proliferation, invasion, and immune escape makes them prospective candidates for identifying and monitoring GBM diagnosis and response to treatment. These miRNAs could play a dual role, acting as both potential diagnostic markers and targets for therapy. By modulating the activity of various oncogenic and tumor-suppressive proteins, miRNAs create opportunities for precision medicine and targeted therapies in GBM. This review centers on the critical role and function of circulating miRNA biomarkers in GBM diagnosis and treatment. It highlights their significance in providing insights into disease progression, aiding in early diagnosis, and potential use as targets for novel therapeutic interventions. Ultimately, the study of miRNA would contribute to improving patient outcomes in the challenging landscape of GBM management.

Keywords: circulating biomarkers; early detection; glioblastoma; liquid biopsy; miRNA; precision medicine.

Figure 1

Liquid biopsies present a new diagnostic paradigm enabling less-invasive detection of circulating tumor biomarkers in blood and CSF of patients.

Figure 2

Key roles played by miRNAs in GBM tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance are summarized here, making these miRNAs valuable diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for GBM patients.