The Novel Biomarker of Germ Cell Tumours, Micro-RNA-371a-3p, Has a Very Rapid Decay in Patients with Clinical Stage 1.

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests serum levels of microRNA (miR)-371a-3p to be a novel tumour marker of testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs). Presently, there is only limited information regarding the velocity of decline of serum levels in response to treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with testicular GCT (20 seminoma, 4 nonseminoma, median age 40 years) with clinical stage 1 had measurements of serum levels of miR-371a-3p preoperatively and repeatedly on the following 3 days. Three had additional tests done within 24 h after surgery. Measurement results were analysed using descriptive statistical methods.

RESULTS

Serum levels dropped to 2.62, 1.27, and 0.47% of the preoperative level within 1, 2, and 3 days, respectively. The computed half-life amounts to 3.7-7 h. The velocity of decay is significantly associated with tumour size.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum-levels of miR-371a-3p have a short half-life of less than 12 h. The rapid decay after treatment represents a valuable feature confirming the usefulness of miR-371a-3p as a valuable serum biomarker of GCT.