RNA biomarkers to facilitate the identification of aggressive prostate cancer

Mol Aspects Med. 2015 Nov:45:37-46. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2015.05.003. Epub 2015 May 27.

Abstract

A large number of men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, but many will not experience morbidity or mortality as a result of their cancers. Therefore, biomarkers for prostate cancer are necessary to carefully select patients for initial diagnostic biopsy or to facilitate care decisions for men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer. RNA-based approaches to biomarker discovery allow the investigation of non-coding RNAs, gene fusion transcripts, splice variants, and multi-gene expression panels in tissue, urine, or blood as opportunities to improve care decisions. This review focuses on RNA biomarkers that are available as commercial assays, and therefore already available for potential clinical use, as well as providing an overview of newer RNA biomarkers that are in earlier stages of clinical development.

Keywords: Biomarker; Gene signatures; Non-coding RNA; Prostate cancer; RNA; lncRNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Untranslated