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Exosomal microRNAs in liquid biopsies: future biomarkers for prostate cancer

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Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in males in the world. Plasma quantification of prostate-specific antigen substantially improved the early detection of prostate cancer, but still lacks the required specificity. Clinical management of prostate cancer needs advances in the development of new non-invasive biomarkers, ameliorating current diagnosis and prognosis and guiding therapeutic decisions. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These miRNAs are expressed in the cells and are also present in cell-derived extracellular vesicles such as exosomes. Exosomes have been shown to act as mediators for cell to cell communication because of the regulatory functions of their content. High levels of exosomes are found in several body fluids from cancer patients and could be a potential source of non-invasive biomarkers. In this review, we summarize the diagnostic and prognostic utility of exosomal miRNAs in prostate cancer.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Rodolfo Mauceri for the artwork of the figures illustrating this review.

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Phase I-Early Clinical Trials Unit, Oncology Department, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium

      A. Valentino, P. Reclusa, R. Sirera, M. Giallombardo & C. Rolfo

    2. Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium

      A. Valentino, P. Reclusa, R. Sirera, M. Giallombardo, P. Pauwels & C. Rolfo

    3. Gene Expression and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Center for Research, CNR, Naples, Italy

      A. Valentino & S. Crispi

    4. Department of Biotechnology, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

      R. Sirera

    5. Medical Oncology Department, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

      C. Camps

    6. Department of Medicine, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain

      C. Camps

    7. Molecular Pathology Unit, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium

      P. Pauwels

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    Valentino, A., Reclusa, P., Sirera, R. et al. Exosomal microRNAs in liquid biopsies: future biomarkers for prostate cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 19, 651–657 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-016-1599-5

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