Identification of Serum MicroRNA-21 as a Biomarker for EarlyDetection and Prognosis in Human Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Recent investigations have confirmed up-regulation of serum miR-21 and its diagnostic and prognostic valuein several human malignancies. In this study, we examined serum miR-21 levels in epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) patients, and explored its association with clinicopathological factors and prognosis. The results showedsignificantly higher serum miR-21 levels in EOC patients than in healthy controls. In addition, increased serummiR-21 expression was correlated with advanced FIGO stage, high tumor grade, and shortened overall survival.These findings indicate that serum miR-21 may serve as a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker, and be usedas a therapeutic target for the treatment of EOC.