title: Clinical application of microRNA testing in neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: It is well documented that dysregulation of microRNAs is a hallmark of human cancers. Thus, this family of small non-coding regulatory molecules represents an excellent source of sensitive biomarkers. Unique microRNAs expression profiles have been associated with different types and subsets of gastrointestinal tumors including gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). GEP-NETs are a heterogeneous group of epithelial neoplasms with neuroendocrine differentiation. At present, early detection and surgical resection of GEP-NETs represent the best chance for a cure. Thus, clinically useful biomarkers for GEP-NETs that strongly correlate with early detection are urgently needed. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of miRNAs in GEP-NET carcinogenesis and their possible use as novel diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
authors.affiliation: ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vicentini
authors.affiliation: ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy. matteo.fassan@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fassan
authors.affiliation: ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
authors.forename: Edoardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: D'Angelo
authors.affiliation: ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Corbo
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology Unit, National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari 70124, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Silvestris
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Gerard J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Nuovo
authors.affiliation: ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scarpa
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D011379:Prognosis; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D035683:MicroRNAs