ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

Brief Summary: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current research, pathophysiologic mechanisms and methodological factors regarding the utility of ncRNA as biomarkers for endocrine tumors.

Comment: Clinical management of endocrine tumors has several challenges, including preoperative diagnosis regarding malignancy, monitoring of treatment and patient follow-up. The currently available biomarkers for endocrine tumors have important limitations (1). Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) exist in various forms and exert various regulatory roles (2). Circulating ncRNAs show promising utility as biomarkers of malignancy, prognosis and follow-up in several endocrine tumors, because they act beyond their traditional role as intracellular regulators to being systemic regulators of gene expression (3). Tumor cells represent a significant source of circulating ncRNA.

In this review, the authors summarize and describe key studies on circulating ncRNAs in endocrine tumors. Moreover, they also review the methodological, biological and technical aspects of the use of ncRNAs as clinical biomarkers.

References: 1. Herrera-Martinez AD.et al. Neuroendocrine neoplasms: current and potential diagnostic, predictive and prognostic markers. Endocr. Relat. Cancer 2019; 26: R157–R179.2. Anfossi S, Babayan A, Pantel K, Calin GA. Clinical utility of circulating non-coding RNAs — an update. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2018; 15: 541–563.3. Cortez MA. et al. MicroRNAs in body fluids — the mix of hormones and biomarkers. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2011; 8: 467–477.