Study of Clinical Utility of miRNA-31 in diagnosis of Bladder Cancer in Egyptian Patients

Abstract

Bladder cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with a rising incidence and prevalence; also it is accompanied by a high morbidity and mortality. BC is a complex disease with several molecular and pathological pathways, thus reflecting different behaviors depending on the clinical staging of the tumor and molecular type. Cystoscopy and urine cytology are the traditional most used techniques for diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer. Urine cytology is specific for diagnosis of bladder cancer but sensitivity results not high, particularly in low-grade disease. Diagnosis and monitoring of BC is mainly performed by invasive periodic cystoscopies; this procedure, although a reliable method, is highly uncomfortable for the patient and it is not exempt of complications. Therefore, the search for cost-efficient, highly specific, and sensitive biomarkers for non-invasive BC diagnosis, screening, and follow-up, which eventually allow reducing the number of invasive, inconvenient, and expensive cystoscopies, is ongoing. Numerous studies have been aimed at the identification of mRNA expression signatures in tumor tissues and tumor-derived urine specimens that reflect the presence and aggressiveness of BC and additionally characterize the most powerful predictive biomarker combinations.