A recent study published in Oncology Letters last month has identified a microRNA as a potential biomarker for the outcome of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MicroRNA is genetic material found in cells that regulates the expression of genes.

The aim of the study was to look at three microRNAs that could potentially be used to predict the prognosis of patients with RCC. The researchers found that all three investigated microRNAs were expressed differently in normal (benign) tissues and cancerous (malignant) tissues. Two microRNAs were also expressed differently between grades and stages of clear cell RCC. Low expression of microR-126 was associated with shorter time to recurrence of the disease.

The researchers concluded that the expression of microR-126 has the strongest potential as a prognostic biomarker for patients with clear cell RCC.

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