New potential markers for prostate cancer were discovered

MicroRNAs could be an effective alternative to existing markers

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant tumour in men. Existing diagnostic methods have significant limitations in sensitivity and specificity.

In a new article by the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Longevity, Herzen Research Institute and Russian Biotechnology University, published in the journal Oncourology, it is shown that by measuring the levels of microRNAs miR-21, miR-451a and miR-144-3p, it is possible to reliably distinguish urine samples of prostate cancer patients from those of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Thus, these microRNAs can be used as non-invasive biomarkers to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis.