Potential of microRNA based diagnostics and therapeutics in glioma: a patent review

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Glioma is a group of tumors that are usually derived from the glial cells of the central nervous system and glioblastoma is the deadliest among them. It has a dismal prognosis and no potential cure at this point. Thus, there is an utmost need for novel, more effective therapeutics, and early and accurate diagnostics for improved survival of glioma patients. MicroRNAs, having altered expression in glioma and being excellent regulators of gene expression with multi-pathway targeting abilities, offer to be a suitable candidate.

Areas covered

This review summarizes microRNA-based patents that have been granted in the fields of diagnostics and therapeutics of glioma until May 2020. A comprehensive discussion has been attempted, delving into the claims and basis of each patent.

Expert opinion

MicroRNA-based anti-cancer research has been extensively carried out throughout the last decade and the results look promising. These molecules can be efficient biomarkers of glioma and used as therapeutic targets/agents. But, just like any other evolving medical technology, it also faces challenges for moving from the bench to the bedside. However, if correctly addressed, these problems can be overcome, and microRNA-based technologies can advance to be efficient tools for the treatment of glioma.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomarker
• cancer
• diagnosis
• glioblastoma
• glioma
• microRNA
• miRNA
• patents
• prognosis
• therapeutics

Article highlights

• miRNAs play a critical role in glioma tumor initiation, progression, and therapy response

• Potential of miRNAs as attractive diagnostic/prognostic/predictive biomarkers in glioma.

• miRNA-based therapeutics combat various hallmarks of cancer.

• Expert opinion on future of miRNA research–challenges and possible remedies.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partly funded by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India; project number: BT/PR16851/MED/122/45/2016. IM was supported by senior research fellowship provided by the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD), Government of India.