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Cancer therapeutics hope: microRNA clinical practice and perspectives

Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou 510060, China

^* Corresponding author: zhengjian@sysucc.org.cn

Received: 9 December 2024
Accepted: 24 January 2025

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as integral components of the gene expression regulatory network, orchestrating various biological processes through the fine-tuning modulation of gene expression. An escalating body of evidence indicates that aberrant miRNAs play a significant role in cancer development and progression, being recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer. The identification and targeting of aberrant miRNAs have yielded satisfactory outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of various preclinical cancer models, revealing the immense potential of miRNAs as a novel domain in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Here, we provide a concise overview of the pivotal role of miRNAs in cancer formation and progression, emphasizing their potential in cancer-related clinical applications. Furthermore, we summarize the current status of miRNA-based clinical cancer diagnostics and the clinical prospects of miRNA-based anti-cancer treatments. Finally, we also focus on the prospective trajectory of miRNA-based cancer therapeutic strategies and proffer concrete recommendations, with the aspiration to evolve miRNA into an innovative and potent therapeutic avenue for cancer, thereby instilling fresh hope for cancer patient populations.