MicroRNA Expression and Clinical Outcome of Small Cell Lung Cancer
2011

MicroRNA Expression and Clinical Outcome in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Sample size: 31 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Lee Jih-Hsiang, Voortman Johannes, Dingemans Anne-Marie C., Voeller Donna M., Pham Trung, Wang Yisong, Giaccone Giuseppe

Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

Hypothesis

The expression of specific microRNAs is related to clinical outcomes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Conclusion

The expression of seven selected microRNAs is not prognostic in SCLC patients, and miR-34a is unlikely to be a therapeutic target.

Supporting Evidence

  • Lower expression of miR-21, miR-29b, and miR-34a was found in SCLC cell lines than in NSCLC cell lines.
  • The expression of the seven microRNAs was unrelated to SCLC patients' clinical characteristics.
  • Overexpression or downregulation of miR-34a did not influence SCLC cell viability.
  • The expression of these microRNAs did not predict sensitivity to cisplatin or etoposide in SCLC cell lines.

Takeaway

This study looked at tiny molecules called microRNAs in lung cancer and found that they don't help predict how patients will do or how well treatments will work.

Methodology

The study analyzed the expression of seven microRNAs in SCLC tumors and cell lines using quantitative real-time PCR.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and has a small patient cohort.

Participant Demographics

The median age of participants was 63 years, with a range of 38 to 78 years; 25 were male and 6 were female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021300

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