Purpose of review: The goals of this review are to examine the usefulness of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer and to evaluate the applicability of miRNAs as cancer therapeutics.
Recent findings: Examination of miRNA milieu from body fluids offers a new alternative for quick, affordable and easy analysis of disease status in patients. Blood-based exosomal miRNAs have increased stability and are an excellent choice for clinical cancer diagnostics and prognostics. Currently, there are many miRNA signatures associated with cancer and progression but there is no consensus among multiple sera and tumor sample studies. Off-target and immunological effects remains an obstacle for use of miRNAs as novel chemotherapeutics in the clinic. Recent developments in nanotechnology and drug delivery systems which target the tumor microenvironment may provide an alternative therapeutic approach with decreased toxicity.
Summary: This review critically evaluates the literature investigating the use of miRNAs as biomarkers and their future as potential therapeutics.
Keywords: biomarker; cancer; chemotherapy; exosomes; microRNA; tumor microenvironment.