MicroRNAs in blood as biomarkers of colorectal cancer. MicroRNAs in blood as biomarkers of colorectal cancer

Association studies have linked alterations of blood-derived circulating microRNAs (ci-miRNAs) with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, questions remain about the specificity of these abundance variations as biomarkers and their effects on the haematogenous spread of metastatic CRC (mCRC). Overall design: We compared the profiles of miRNAs in 80 blood samples from healthy donors as well as patients with colorectal adenomas (CRA), colorectal diverticulitis (CRD), and CRC at different UICC-stages (I/II, III, and IV). We tested for stage-specific alterations