Utilizzo di una piattaforma ad ultrasuoni per l'identificazione di nuovi biomarcatori a microRNA nel carcinoma prostatico.

Detection of circulating microRNA-based biomarkers represent an innovative, non-invasive, method for early detection of cancer. However, low concentration of miRNAs released in blood, especially in the early-stage disease, and difficult localization of the tumor site limited their clinical use as effective cancer biomarkers. The amplification of circulating cancer biomarkers mediated by ultrasound can potentially overcome these issues, thus advancing the use miRNA-base biomarkers in clinical setting. This work investigated the potential of an innovative ultrasound-based prototype to improve the release of miRNAs in the extracellular fluids, with the aim of identifying novel miRNA-based biomarkers to be used for prostate cancer diagnosis, as well as for monitoring disease evolution. We provided evidence that US-mediated sonoporation amplify the release of miRNAs from both androgen-dependent and – independent PCa cells, allowing the detection of novel miRNA with potential predictive and prognostic value. Moreover, we showed that ultrasound treatment improves drug delivery opening the route to new possible therapeutic applications. KEYWORDS: miRNAs, Biomarkers, Prostate Cancer, Ultrasounds.