title: MicroRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer invasion and metastasis: from the perspective of the radiation oncologist.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  MicroRNAs (miRs), small sequences of RNA regulating various cellular processes, are implicated to play major roles in cancer. Herein, we discuss the association of several miRs with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically relating to tumor invasion and metastasis to lymphatics and/or distant organs, which can often be correlated with overall prognosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  There exists strong evidence that presence of several miR combinations correlates with prognosis in both early- and advanced-stage NSCLCs. Principally, miR alterations could be useful in enhancing current imaging-based methods to more accurately estimate the extent of invasion/metastases.Expert Commentary: Despite the immature nature of this subject, its large ramifications on clinical oncology are clearly evident. Based on miR signature-related stratification, radiotherapy could be potentially personalized beyond current treatment standards.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Radiation Oncology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.affiliation: b Department of Radiation Oncology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lautenschlaeger
mesh_terms: D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D057285:Precision Medicine / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs
keywords: Tumor invasion; metastasis; microRNA; non-small cell lung cancer; radiation oncology