Clinical evaluation of circulating miR-548a-3p and -20a expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients.

Aim: miRNAs may act as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of mesothelioma. This study integrates serum  miR-548a-3p and miR-20a expression based on in silico data analysis followed by clinical validation in malignant mesothelioma patients (malignant pleural mesothelioma [MPM]).

Patients & Methods: Serum miR-548a-3p and  miR-20a level was assessed in the serum of patients with MPM, chronic asbestos exposure and healthy volunteers by quantitative real-time PCR.

Epigenetic regulation of immune checkpoints: another target for cancer immunotherapy?

Epigenetic changes in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes contribute to carcinogenesis. Understanding the epigenetic and genetic components of tumor immune evasion is crucial. Few cancer genetic mutations have been linked to direct correlations with immune evasion.