Exosomal lncRNAs in gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, these cancers are diagnosed in advanced metastatic stages due to lack of reliable biomarkers that are sufficiently specific and sensitive in early disease. There has been growing evidence that circulating exosomes can be used to diagnose cancer non-invasively with limited risks and side effects. Furthermore, exosomal long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a new class of promising biomarkers in cancer. This review provides an overview of the extraction and detection of exosomal lncRNAs with a focus on their potential role in GIC.

Automated summary

Gastrointestinal cancer is a major global health issue and early diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. However, circulating exosomes are showing promise as non-invasive diagnostic tools with limited risks. In particular, exosomal long non-coding RNAs are emerging as potential biomarkers in gastrointestinal cancer. This review provides an overview of the extraction and detection of exosomal lncRNAs, focusing on their role in gastrointestinal cancer.