MiRNA s in oesophageal squamous cancer.

Oesophageal cancer is a common cancer worldwide with a very poor prognosis. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the major subtype of oesophageal cancer but also one of the least studied cancers worldwide. Although the molecular genetics of OSCC have been widely studied, the molecular mechanism of OSCC carcinogenesis is not completely understood. MicroRNA (miRNA) is now essential to understanding the molecular mechanism of cancer progression. Recent findings include the following: 1) recent findings regarding the functions of miRNA; 2) some of the latest findings on expression profile of miRNA involved in OSCC; 3) miRNAs and their target genes and molecular mechanisms in OSCC; and 4) the therapeutic-clinical potential of miRNAs in OSCC. We can make full use of this knowledge to guide us to evaluate and improve the patient's condition and choose the most fitting medical treatment or explore new approaches to improve the survival ratio of OSCC patients.