Study Finds miRNA Biomarkers for EGFRI-Induced Skin Rash
A recent study published in Oncotarget has explored the link between miRNA signatures in serum samples from epidermal growth factor inhibitor (EGFRI) treated patients and skin rash. Led by Nicola Puccetti, the research team investigated different aspects of EGFRI-induced skin rash and identified potential therapeutic predictive markers.
The study, titled 'Association between miRNA signatures in serum samples from epidermal growth factor inhibitor treated patients and skin rash', aimed to understand EGFRI-induced skin rash and find predictive biomarkers. Previous studies had primarily focused on miRNAs expressed in cancer cells or secreted by them. The research team, including Dr. Julia Carolin Stingl from The University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, examined miRNA expression profiles in serum associated with the severity of skin rash to identify potential therapy predictive markers.
EGFR ligands like epiregulin, amphiregulin, and hepatocyte growth factor were explored as biomarkers for skin rash. Interestingly, these ligands were found to be inversely proportional to grades of skin rash severity. The study also noted a correlation between overall survival and the appearance of a skin rash, used as a biomarker for therapy efficacy. The specific miRNAs identified as potential therapeutic predictive markers for EGFRI-induced skin rash were miR-619-5p and miR-146a-5p. However, the authors acknowledged a limitation in their research: the lack of serum samples from patients before EGFRI treatment to determine if the found effects are therapy-specific or general.
In patients treated with EGFR inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, miR-21 and miR-520e serum concentrations were negatively correlated with skin rash severity, while miR-31 showed a positive correlation. The study suggests that miR-21, miR-31, and miR-520e expression could serve as treatment-dependent markers for EGFRI-induced skin rash. On average, 70% of patients treated with EGFRIs experience skin rash.
The Oncotarget study, led by Nicola Puccetti, has provided insights into the potential of miRNAs as predictive biomarkers for EGFRI-induced skin rash. With further research, these findings could enhance the understanding and management of this common side effect in cancer patients treated with EGFRIs.
