ObjectiveTo summarize the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and the digestive tract cancer, and to investigate the applicative value of miRNAs in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of the digestive tract cancer.
MethodsDomestic and international papers focusing on the relationship between miRNAs and the digestive tract cancer were retrieved and reviewed.
ResultsmiRNAs participated in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis through gene regulation. The patients with digestive tract cancer were often accompanied with some abnormal expression of miRNAs in circulation, that was closely related to the occurrence and development of tumor. These miRNAs in blood contributed to not only the diagnosis of tumor, but also identification of the primary tumor site, even the clinical and pathological staging. Thus, we could predict the progress, recurrence, and the metastasis of tumor, or perform the evaluation of therapeutic effects.
ConclusionCirculating miRNAs can be used as molecular microsensors for the noninvasive early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the digestive tract cancer.
