microRNA Predicts Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer

A microRNA profile for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MI-BC) will be developed that is predictive of patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition to developing the biomarker, scientists will attempt to understand the mechanism by which differentially expressed microRNAs mediate chemosensitivity.

The study will be carried out by Rosetta Genomics (Rehovot, Israel), developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, in collaboration with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis; Livermore, CA, USA). Fifty-five MI-BC patients treated at UC Davis Cancer Center with neoadjuvant chemotherapy have already been studied to initiate the study

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that act as master regulators of protein synthesis, and have been shown to be highly effective biomarkers. The advantage of microRNAs as biomarkers lies in their high tissue specificity, and their stability in the most routine preservation methods for biopsies, including Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block tissue and fine needle aspirate (FNA) cell blocks. It is thought that their small size (19 to 21 nucleotides) enables them to remain intact in FFPE blocks, as opposed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which tends to degrade rapidly. In addition, early preclinical data has shown that by controlling the levels of specific microRNAs, cancer cell growth may be reduced.

Approximately 30% of bladder cancer patients present with or will develop MI-BC, which has a five-year survival rate of approximately 50%. Evidence-based medicine has clearly demonstrated the survival benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of this disease. However, only 50% of patients with MI-BC will respond to chemotherapy, which discourages widespread adoption. Instead of chemotherapy many of these patients are offered cystectomy, a treatment option that has failed to improve survival rates meaningfully over the past 25 years.

In addition to the development of a mRNA profile that is predictive of a bladder cancer patient's response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Rosetta Genomics is working to develop miRview bladder, a test which will be able to predict the risk of a superficial bladder cancer to become invasive.

The Rosetta's tests are offered directly by Rosetta Genomics in the US, and through distributors around the globe.

Related Links:
Rosetta Genomics
University of California, Davis