RNA-Based Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent and diverse group of malignancies with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection and monitoring of HNC are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive diagnostic approach, has emerged as a promising tool for cancer detection and monitoring. In this article, we review the application of RNA-based liquid biopsy in HNC. Various types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), are explored as potential biomarkers in HNC liquid-based diagnostics. The roles of RNAs in HNC diagnosis, metastasis, tumor resistance to radio and chemotherapy, and overall prognosis are discussed. RNA-based liquid biopsy holds great promise for the early detection, prognosis, and personalized treatment of HNC. Further research and validation are necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

lncRNA Biomarkers of Glioblastoma Multiforme

“…They are produced continuously in cells, respond to homeostatic and environmental challenges, are secreted into biological fluids, and can be readily detected via analytical methods. Changes in the levels of these molecules in cells and in biological fluids, therefore, provide valuable information about the alterations to health and disease states [107]. The fact that most lncRNAs are relatively stable, can be released in body fluids including plasma, serum, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, and can be readily detectable makes them highly suitable as biomarkers [26].…”

“…With the use of biological fluids as a source of lncRNA biomarkers, sample collection ranges from non-invasive (urine, saliva) to minimally invasive (plasma, serum) and invasive (organ biopsy). Due to the properties of lncRNAs, there is pressing need for the standardization of sample collection and the stringent preparation of biomaterials for analysis across different settings, to ensure the specificity and reproducibility of the data [107]. More research on the correlation between various lncRNAs in the same condition and cross-correlation in different diseases is warranted, using extensive data collection and analysis with advanced computational methods and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches.…”

Analysis of the demographic structure of patients undergoing preventive examinations during the European Prevention Program for HNC in the last 10 years

“…Przedstawione wyniki wskazują na potrzebę prowadzenia akcji profilaktycznych w skali ogólnopolskiej. Pomimo rozwoju opcji diagnostycznych i terapeutycznych w leczeniu innych nowotworów, w zakresie śmiertelności z powodu raka głowy i szyi w ostatnich dziesięcioleciach nie zaszła znacząca poprawa, co wiąże się głównie z późnym wykrywaniem tych guzów [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Badania profilaktyczne NGiSz są kluczowe dla wczesnego rozpoznawania i leczenia tych chorób, a także poprawy świadomości społecznej dotyczącej czynników ryzyka i samoobserwacji w kierunku niepokojących objawów.…”

Insights into metastatic roadmap of head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma based on clinical, histopathological and molecular profiles

“…LNM and DM of a primary tumor can be detected by several methods. Biomarker detection in liquid biopsy is the most promising non-invasive technique for monitoring metastatic spread during therapeutic response in HNSCC [ 12 , 13 ]. Moreover, tumor biomarkers can be used in research to evaluate the cellular lineage and histogenic origin of various and distinct neoplasms and produce successful results [ 14 ].…”