title: MicroRNAs as new biomarkers in oncology.
abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a new class of small non-coding RNAs ∼ 22 nucleotides in length that are involved in fine-tuning of gene expression. An increasing number of papers are identifying a link between miRNAs and cancer. The discovery of miRNA expression signatures able to discriminate tumor from normal cells and between various categories of patients with the same type of cancer suggests the possible application of miRNAs as new biomarkers in molecular oncology. In this review, the authors describe the different techniques used to detect miRNAs in tumor samples and their potential for clinical use. The authors review the published evidence testing miRNAs as novel cancer biomarkers and describe the steps necessary to move forward in the application of miRNAs as biomarkers. Finally, the authors consider the utility of miRNAs as tumor predisposition markers in cancer screening programs.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 36, Room Y6.6079, Houston, TX 77030, USA +1 713 792 5461 ; +1 713 745 4528 ; gcalin@mdanderson.org.
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Spizzo
authors.forename: Milena S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Nicoloso
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Calin