EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS NON-CODING RNAs AS POTENTIAL BIOMARKERS IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a high incidence in some geographical areas, 67% of all cases being reported in Southeast Asia. Since Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays an important role in the development of this malignancy, viral biomarkers (EBV-specific antibodies, EBV DNA) are currently used. However, new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers associated EBV infection have been evaluated and among them are EBV non-coding RNAs which are involved in multiple pathological processes: complex regulatory signaling networks for cell cycle control and intercellular communication, tumor progression, transcriptional regulation of gene expression by modulating mRNAs molecules expression, chromatin and nuclear structures organization, transposable elements silencing. Produced in tumor cells, these viral non-coding transcripts could be secreted as extracellular vesicles into peripheral bloodstream. EBV non-coding RNAs have several advantages as biomarkers, especially rapidity of detection and elevated levels in body fluids. Therefore, testing these circulating molecules is much more accessible. The signature of these non-coding RNAs might be used as potential biomarkers of diagnostic, prognostic, clinical outcome and therapeutic response. The aim of this minireview was to evaluate the potential of EBV non-coding RNAs as biomarkers in EBV associated NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]