miRNAs orchestration of salivary gland cancer- Particular emphasis on diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance

Cancer of the salivary glands is one of the five major types of head and neck cancer. Due to radioresistance and a strong propensity for metastasis, the survival rate for nonresectable malignant tumors is dismal. Hence, more research is needed on salivary cancer's pathophysiology, particularly at the molecular level. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNA that controls as many as 30% of all genes that code for proteins at the posttranscriptional level. Signature miRNA expression profiles have been established in several cancer types, suggesting a role for miRNAs in the incidence and progression of human malignancies. Salivary cancer tissues were shown to have significantly aberrant levels of miRNAs compared to normal salivary gland tissues, supporting the hypothesis that miRNAs play a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of salivary gland cancer (SGC). Besides, several SGC research articles reported potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the miRNA-based treatment of this malignancy. In this review, we will explore the regulatory impact of miRNAs on the processes underlying the molecular pathology of SGC and provide an up-to-date summary of the literature on miRNAs that impacted this malignancy. We will eventually share information about their possible use as diagnostic, prog-nostic, and therapeutic biomarkers in SGC.

Automated summary

Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer with poor survival rates for nonresectable tumors. Research on the pathophysiology of this cancer, particularly at the molecular level, is needed. Abnormal levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found in salivary cancer tissues, suggesting their crucial role in the carcinogenesis of this cancer. Several studies have also identified potential miRNA biomarkers and therapeutic targets for salivary gland cancer. This review aims to explore the regulatory impact of miRNAs on the molecular pathology of this cancer and provide an up-to-date summary of relevant literature.