The diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential of circulating microRNAs in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because of the late onset of symptoms, and this together with the lack of effective treatments, has meant it is associated with a very high mortality. The aberrant expression of MicroRNA (miRNA) contributes to the initiation and development of human tumors including OC. Several miRNAs are secreted by tumor cells and can be identified in body fluids. Serum miRNAs levels are associated with several clinical conditions, and may be used to predict prognosis and response to treatments in some cancers including OC. This review summarizes the current progresses regarding the potential applications of circulating miRNA as innovative biomarkers in OC.