Using miRNAs in Semen as Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer

Researchers of the Human Molecular Genetics group at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute show that miRNAs in semen could be used as non-invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer. The results of the study were published on Tuesday in Scientific Reports.

Semen could be considered a liquid biopsy of the organs of male reproductive system, specifically of prostate gland: Approximately 40% of semen is derived from prostatic tissue. The researchers have determined that the quantification of certain molecules of ribonucleic acid, known as miRNAs, contained in extracellular vesicles from seminal plasma might be clinically useful as non-invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer.

“Our study shows semen exosome miRNA-based models as molecular biomarkers with the potential to improve prostate cancer diagnosis/prognosis efficiency,” explains senior author Sara Larriba. “These miRNA-based tests should provide reliable information that will help physicians to take clinical decisions as well as will save unnecessary invasive biopsies to the patients, improving the efficiency of detection of prostate cancer and patient outcome.”

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of malignant male cancer in western countries. Currently, we use the PSA screening test to identify this cancer, which has resulted in a significant decrease in prostate cancer deaths. However, the deficiencies of serum PSA as a biomarker are well documented.

“In many cases, having elevated PSA levels does not mean having prostate cancer. Thus, PSA screening has resulted in an over-diagnosis of prostate cancer, and in many unnecessary biopsies of benign disease,” says coauthor Francesc Vigués.

“Additionally, serum PSA levels do not correlate with tumor aggressiveness, survival, or response to pharmacological treatments leading to over-treatment of indolent tumors,” coauthor Manel Castells adds. “Given this context, more accurate non-invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer with diagnostic and prognostic purposes would be very welcomed indeed.”