Plasma miRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer

open access (technical)

"Carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA-125) is the most frequently used biomarker for ovarian cancer detection [4], but it is only elevated in approximately 50% of stage I EOCs and 70%–90% of advanced cases [5]. Hence, there is a critical need for novel biomarkers that are more sensitive and specific for detecting EOC when used alone or in combination with CA-125. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a family of small regulatory RNAs, emerged as possible plasma markers for human disease, including cancer, because of their relative stability in the circulation [6]."

Background

Most (70%) epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are diagnosed late. Non-invasive biomarkers that facilitate disease detection and predict outcome are needed. The microRNAs (miRNAs) represent a new class of biomarkers. This study was to identify and validate plasma miRNAs as biomarkers in EOC.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We evaluated plasma samples of 360 EOC patients and 200 healthy controls from two institutions.

Conclusions/Significance

Our findings indicate that plasma miR-205 and let-7f are biomarkers for ovarian cancer detection that complement CA-125; let-7f may be predictive of ovarian cancer prognosis.