MicroRNA signatures in tissues and plasma predict development and prognosis of computed tomography detected lung cancer

The efficacy of computed tomography (CT) screening for early lung cancer detection in heavy smokers is currently being tested by a number of randomized trials. Critical issues remain the frequency of unnecessary treatments and impact on mortality, indicating the need for biomarkers of aggressive disease. We explored microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of lung tumors, normal lung tissues and plasma samples from cases with variable prognosis identified in a completed spiral-CT screening trial with extensive follow-up. miRNA expression patterns significantly distinguished: (i) tumors from normal lung tissues, (ii) tumor histology and growth rate, (iii) clinical outcome, and (iv) year of lung cancer CT detection.…

• FC
  Fondazione Cariplo
• MD
  Ministero della Salute
• AI
  Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro
• RL
  Regione Lombardia
• NC
  National Cancer Institute