Analysis of the circulating miRNome expression profile in saliva samples after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in a rectal cancer study population using next-generation sequencing

Study goals and relevance: Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of rectal adenocarcinoma. In this study, we aimed to identify miRNA alterations associated with the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer patients.Method: High-throughput small RNA sequencing was performed to assess salivary miRNA expression profiles in 31 participants (11 rectal adenocarcinoma patients and 20 healthy volunteers). Paired saliva samples were collected from patients before and after chemoradiation. Tumor regression was classified according to the Modified Ryan scheme into responders and non-responders.