title: MicroRNA as a new factor in lung and esophageal cancer.
abstract: Lung cancer is the most lethal cancer due to late detection in advanced stages; early diagnosis of lung cancer allows surgical treatment and improves the outcome. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux-related adenocarcinomas of the esophagus is increasing; repetitive surveillance endoscopies are necessary to detect development of cancer. A blood-based biomarker would simplify the diagnosis and treatment of both diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA strands that interfere with protein production. miRNAs play pivotal roles in cell homeostasis, and dysregulation of miRNAs can lead to the development of cancer. miRNAs can be found in all body fluids and have been proposed to serve as messengers between closely localized cells but also distant organs. Cancer cells actively secrete miRNAs, and these miRNA profiles can be found in blood. We outline, here, how these miRNAs may aid in diagnosis and treatment of lung and esophageal cancers, as well as their apparent limitations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA. adrianbilleter@bluewin.ch
authors.forename: Adrian T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Billeter
authors.forename: Rebecca E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.forename: Devin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Druen
authors.forename: Hiram C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Polk
authors.forename: Victor H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: van Berkel
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D005820:Genetic Testing; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D057285:Precision Medicine; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D035683:MicroRNAs