Clinical value of circulating micro RNAs in hepatic,biliary and pancreatic carcinomas

Recent research demonstrates that micro RNA is involved in the growth and development as well as the pathophysiological process of various diseases.In the development and progression of carcinomas,micro RNA can function as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on the context.Furthermore,the micro RNAs corresponding to a specific carcinoma exist in the blood circulation.This study discusses the circulating micro RNAs associated with hepatic,biliary and pancreatic carcinomas,which have been recently reported in Chinese and international studies.The value of micro RNA in diagnosis,clinical pathological classification,treatment,and prognosis of hepatic,biliary and pancreatic carcinomas is reviewed.Our study indicates the potential role of circulating micro RNA as a novel biomarker for clinical detection,diagnosis,treatment,and prognostic evaluation of carcinomas.