Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Family Medicine

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide after lung and breast cancers. The problem of early detection of CRC in Egypt is severe, as the cost of colonoscopy often exceeds a person's yearly salary, and there are not enough trained personnel or adequate centres to perform it. The discovery of microRNAs, has led to active research focusing on their role in the diagnosis of CRC. ObjectiIves: The objective of this study is to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of serum biomarkers (micro-RNAs), miR-1246, miR-23a, and miR-451 in patients with CRC. Methodology: The present study is a case-control study. Microarray analysis of miRNA-1246, -23a, and -451 in serum samples from 37 primary CRC patients and 30 controls were performed. RESULTS: The serum levels of miRNA-1246 (p< 0.000) and miRNA-451 (p=0.014) were significantly higher in primary CRC patients than incontrols. The area under the ROC curve for miRNA-1246 was 0.924, with sensitivity (100%) and specificity (80%). The area under the ROC curve for MiR-23a was 0.67027, with sensitivity (70.3%) and specificity (70%). The area under the ROC curve for miRNA-451 was 0.757, with sensitivity (73%) and specificity (80%). Conclusion: MiRNA-1246 appears to be a promising non-invasive biomarker in CRC

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