Potential Applications of MicroRNAs in Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

Early studies have established that microRNAs (miRNAs) are widely deregulated in cancer and play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. Recent research efforts are directed now towards translating these basic discoveries into novel tests or treatments that could improve the diagnosis and outcome of cancer patients. In this review, we will summarize the potential applications of miRNAs for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In addition, we will discuss current pitfalls and future directions.