Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a formidable diagnostic challenge, especially in the context of small renal masses. The quest for non-invasive screening tools and biomarkers has steered research towards liquid biopsy, focusing on microRNAs (miRNAs), exosomes, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). MiRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, exhibit notable dysregulation in RCC, offering promising avenues for diagnosis and prognosis. Studies underscore their potential across various biofluids, including plasma, serum, and urine, for RCC detection and subtype characterization. Encouraging miRNA signatures show correlations with overall survival, indicative of their future relevance in RCC management. Exosomes, with their diverse molecular cargo, including miRNAs, emerge as enticing biomarkers, while CTCs, emanating from primary tumors into the bloodstream, provide valuable insights into cancer progression. Despite these advancements, clinical translation necessitates further validation and standardization, encompassing larger-scale studies and robust evidence generation. Currently lacking approved diagnostic assays for renal cancer, the potential future applications of liquid biopsy in follow-up care, treatment selection, and outcome prediction in RCC patients are profound. This review aims to discuss and highlight recent advancements in liquid biopsy for RCC, exploring their strengths and weaknesses in the comprehensive management of this disease.
International journal of molecular sciences. 2024 Mar 30*** epublish ***
Felice Crocetto, Alfonso Falcone, Benito Fabio Mirto, Enrico Sicignano, Giovanni Pagano, Fabrizio Dinacci, Domenico Varriale, Fabio Machiella, Gaetano Giampaglia, Armando Calogero, Filippo Varlese, Raffaele Balsamo, Francesco Trama, Antonella Sciarra, Francesco Del Giudice, Gian Maria Busetto, Matteo Ferro, Giuseppe Lucarelli, Francesco Lasorsa, Ciro Imbimbo, Biagio Barone
Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy., Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy., Urology Unit, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy., ASL Napoli 2 Nord, P.O. Santa Maria delle Grazie, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy., Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy., Department of Maternal Infant and Urological Sciences, Umberto I Polyclinic Hospital, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy., Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy., Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO)-IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy., Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy., Urology Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, 81100 Caserta, Italy.