Serum long non-coding RNAs as potential noninvasive biomarkers for glioblastoma diagnosis, prognosis, and chemoresistance

Abstract

Gliomas are common brain tumors with a variable prognosis based on their tumor grade. With glioblastomas, the prognosis is usually unfavorable. Thus, having accurate and rapid methods for their diagnosis and follow-up are essential for rapid discovery of the tumor and to protect patients from unnecessary procedures. Some glioma cases are challenging since there is a limited ability to differentiate between gliomas, recurrent glioblastomas, and single metastatic lesions. Monitoring treatment responses and follow-ups can also be challenging. While both radiological and serological markers have been identified that can aid diagnosis and assess therapies, a particularly promising new class of serological markers are long non-coding RNAs. Long non-coding RNAs are a relatively recently discovered class of regulatory RNA molecules that play critical roles in many cellular and physiological processes. The potential role that long non-coding RNAs play with glioma pathogenic processes is not fully understood. In this literature review, we highlight the potential for long noncoding RNAs to be used as serum biomarkers in glioblastoma patients, including their potential to serve as non-invasive, easy to use, and rapid diagnostic or prognostic indicators.