Research progress on microRNAs as molecular markers in pancreatic cancer: a narrative review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer (PC) have increased in recent years. The current status of PC diagnosis and treatment remains grim in clinical practice because the commonly used early screening tools are not sufficient. Improving the early detection of PC and strengthening standardized comprehensive treatment remain the focus of PC research. Many studies have shown that micro RNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence, development, and treatment of PC. It is expected that miRNAs will become new molecular markers of PC. METHODS: We extracted and compiled useful information from the PubMed database that met our criteria for analyzing PC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: In this narrative review, we summarize the mechanism of some miRNAs in the occurrence and development of PC and review them as potential markers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PC. The function of miRNAs in PC has great potential in studying the pathogenesis of PC. The discovery of many important oncogenic miRNAs and their downstream targets will bring new ideas and research paths for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of PC. CONCLUSIONS: MiRNAs are expected to provide novel ideas and research directions for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of PC. However, more patient data and clinical trials are needed before miRNAs can become novel molecular markers for PC.