Biomarkers may help detect cancer in men

American researchers have studied the mechanism of microRNAs – molecules that regulate genes – and proved that some of them are specific for malignant testicular tumors. These molecules may serve as a biomarker to detect the disease with high accuracy.

The work, published in Scientific Reports, showed that in mice, certain groups of microRNAs are expressed exclusively in malignant cells, but are absent in benign tumors or other cancers. Because humans have similar microRNAs, the discovery could change the approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Modern medicine is actively moving toward less invasive diagnostic techniques such as liquid biopsy. The blood test can be used to detect not only the cancer itself, but also its recurrence after surgery.

“This method could be the key to early detection of the disease,” explains Robert Weiss, professor of molecular genetics. “It allows us to track tumor progression without complicated procedures.”

Malignant testicular tumors are most commonly diagnosed in young men aged 15-39. Over the past 50 years, the incidence has increased by almost 40%. However, with timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable – traditional chemotherapy gives a 95% five-year survival rate.

Studies also confirm that the disease begins in the embryonic period, but becomes aggressive, as a rule, after puberty. That is why scientists are looking for ways to diagnose it as early as possible.

In the future, experts plan to study the functions of these microRNAs and determine whether they can be used not only for diagnosis but also to block tumor growth.

“If our hypotheses are confirmed, these molecules could become a target for new drugs that could stop the spread of cancer,” notes Weiss.

The discovery opens prospects for the creation of effective methods to fight cancer and may change the principles of diagnosing testicular cancer in the future.