The Detection of Urinary Exosomal miRNAs for Cancer Diagnostics and Prognostics

Abstract

Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive diagnostic method that utilizes the detection and analysis of biomarkers in bodily fluids for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), which are remarkably stable because of the protection by extracellular vesicles (EVs), in liquid biopsy have gained considerable attention as they can regulate gene expression and serve as crucial biomarkers for the presence and progression of different types of cancer. Especially, urinary exosomal miRNAs have shown promising results as biomarkers for cancer from the urogenital system, such as bladder, renal tubular, and prostate. However, there are still significant challenges hindering the clinical utilization of urinary exosomal miRNA biomarkers, including improper sample handling, and data bias. Therefore, the detection procedure of urinary exosomal miRNAs needs to be standardized and thoroughly reviewed to ensure accurate and reliable clinical results. In this review, we have explored various detection procedures for urinary exosomal miRNAs, which have great potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and prognostics.