Clinical Value of Circulating miRNA in Diagnosis, Prognosis, Screening and Monitoring Therapy of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma-A Review of the Literature

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is considered to be the seventh most common cause of cancer-related deaths. The number of deaths caused by PC is estimated to increase in the future. An early diagnosis of PC is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. The most common histopathological subtype of PC is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs)-which are endogenous non-coding RNAs involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of multiple gene expression-constitute useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various neoplasms, including PDAC. Circulating miRNAs detected in a patient's serum or plasma are drawing more and more attention. Hence, this review aims at evaluating the clinical value of circulating miRNA in the screening, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy.

Automated summary

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the number of deaths is expected to rise. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. MicroRNAs are found to be useful biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This review evaluates the clinical value of circulating miRNAs in the screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy.