Insight on Non-Coding RNAs from Biofluids in Ovarian Tumors

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer since it is often diagnosed at advanced stages. Current tools for diagnosis are currently insufficient and include physical examination, ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, as well as algorithms combining thoraco-abdomino-pelvic scans and blood markers. In this context, there is a need for new tools not only to assess the diagnosis but also to predict the response to chemotherapy and to detect recurrences. Previous studies have highlighted the potential value of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) in tissue samples, but rarely in biofluids. In this review, we aim to summarize the existing literature on ncRNAs and ovarian tumors in biofluids. Most studies are focused on serum and blood with no data on other biofluids and with few ncRNAs investigated using qRT-PCR or microarray, which does not reflect the heterogeneity of ovarian cancers. ABSTRACT: Ovarian tumors are the most frequent adnexal mass, raising diagnostic and therapeutic issues linked to a large spectrum of tumors, with a continuum from benign to malignant. Thus far, none of the available diagnostic tools have proven efficient in deciding strategy, and no consensus exists on the best strategy between “single test”, “dual testing”, “sequential testing”, “multiple testing options” and “no testing”. In addition, there is a need for prognostic tools such as biological markers of recurrence and theragnostic tools to detect women not responding to chemotherapy in order to adapt therapies. Non-coding RNAs are classified as small or long based on their nucleotide count. Non-coding RNAs have multiple biological functions such as a role in tumorigenesis, gene regulation and genome protection. These ncRNAs emerge as new potential tools to differentiate benign from malignant tumors and to evaluate prognostic and theragnostic factors. In the specific setting of ovarian tumors, the goal of the present work is to offer an insight into the contribution of biofluid non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) expression.