Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 29, 2025 1 day, 1 hour, 28 minutes ago
Medical News: Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with a high mortality rate due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Traditional therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, have improved survival rates to some extent, but the overall prognosis remains poor. Scientists are continuously exploring new ways to combat this aggressive disease, and recent research has brought attention to microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential game-changers in the diagnosis and treatment of EC.
MicroRNAs and Their Role in Esophageal Cancer
MiRNAs are small molecules that help regulate genes in the body. They can either promote or suppress cancer growth, making them crucial in understanding how esophageal cancer develops and how it can be treated effectively. A team of researchers from the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University and The First and Second Bethune Hospitals of Jilin University, among other institutions, has conducted an in-depth study on the role of miRNAs in EC, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
How MicroRNAs Influence Esophageal Cancer
MiRNAs play a significant role in how cancer cells grow, multiply, and resist treatment. This
Medical News report highlights that certain miRNAs, when overexpressed, can encourage cancer progression by promoting tumor growth and spread. On the other hand, some miRNAs act as tumor suppressors, stopping cancer cells from growing uncontrollably.
The study found that specific miRNAs, such as miR-21 and miR-25, are highly expressed in esophageal cancer cells. These molecules contribute to the disease by suppressing genes that normally keep cancer in check. Conversely, miRNAs like miR-375 and miR-203 are found at lower levels in EC patients, meaning their protective role is diminished, allowing cancer to progress more rapidly.
MicroRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers
One of the biggest challenges in treating EC is detecting it early. Most patients are diagnosed in the later stages when treatment options are limited. The research suggests that miRNAs could serve as reliable diagnostic markers for early detection. Scientists have identified several miRNAs in the blood and urine of EC patients, which could provide a non-invasive way to detect cancer before it reaches an advanced stage.
For example, miR-493-5p and miR-196a-5p are found at higher levels in EC patients, making them promising candidates for early diagnosis. Additionally, miR-205-5p and miR-429 have been detected in the blood of patients with esophageal cancer, while miR-375-3p is significantly lower in these individuals. These findings indicate that measuring specific miRNA levels could help doctors diagnose EC earlier and more accurately.
MicroRNAs and Treatment Resistance
One of the major reasons for poor survival rates in EC is the resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Many patients do not respond well to standard treatments, leading to disease progression. The study found that miRNAs also play a role in this resis
tance. Some miRNAs, like miR-21 and miR-106b-3p, contribute to chemotherapy resistance by suppressing tumor-suppressing genes, making cancer cells less responsive to drugs. Conversely, other miRNAs, such as miR-203 and miR-29c, increase sensitivity to treatment by targeting key cancer-promoting genes.
Radiotherapy resistance is another significant issue in EC treatment. The research highlights that miR-199a-5p, miR-145, and miR-485-5p help increase cancer cells' sensitivity to radiation, making them potential targets for enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness. On the other hand, miR-4443 and miR-494 have been linked to increased radiation resistance, indicating that targeting these molecules could improve treatment outcomes.
Potential for MicroRNA-Based Therapies
With their role in cancer progression, diagnosis, and treatment resistance, miRNAs are now being considered as potential therapeutic targets. Scientists are exploring ways to either suppress cancer-promoting miRNAs or boost tumor-suppressing ones to improve treatment effectiveness.
One promising approach is using miRNA inhibitors to block harmful miRNAs like miR-21, which promotes cancer cell survival. Conversely, delivering beneficial miRNAs, such as miR-203 and miR-375, to patients could help restore their natural ability to fight cancer. These strategies are still in the experimental stages, but they hold great potential for the future of esophageal cancer treatment.
Conclusion
The discovery of miRNAs' role in esophageal cancer opens new possibilities for early detection, improved treatment, and better patient outcomes. By targeting specific miRNAs, scientists hope to develop more effective therapies that can overcome current limitations in EC treatment. Future research will focus on translating these findings into clinical applications, paving the way for miRNA-based therapies that could revolutionize cancer care.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1532558/full
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