microRNA-Based Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the lack of early symptoms. MicroRNA-based liquid biopsies are emerging as a promising non-invasive tool for early detection of pancreatic cancer, offering a breakthrough in improving survival rates.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and play a key role in cancer development and progression. In pancreatic cancer, specific miRNA profiles have been identified as potential biomarkers that can be detected in body fluids such as blood or plasma. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which are invasive and can only provide information on a specific area, liquid biopsies can capture circulating biomarkers that reflect overall tumor burden, including metastasis.

In this approach, a small blood sample is collected and pancreatic cancer-associated miRNAs are isolated and analyzed. These miRNAs are often dysregulated in cancer patients, meaning they are either over-expressed or under-expressed compared to healthy individuals. By measuring these changes, miRNA-based liquid biopsies can detect early pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for early intervention when the disease is more treatable. Additionally, miRNA-based liquid biopsies can be used to monitor disease progression and treatment response. As cancer progresses or regresses, changes in miRNA levels can provide real-time insight into the effectiveness of treatment, making them a powerful tool for personalized medicine.

The non-invasive nature, combined with the ability to detect cancer at an early stage, makes miRNA-based liquid biopsies a valuable tool for early pancreatic cancer diagnosis, offering hope for improved outcomes for this often difficult-to-treat disease.

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Reference

[1] Min Woo Kim et al., International Journal of Molecular Science 2021 (DOI:10.3390/ijms222413621)