Identification of novel miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer using an in silico approach

Abstract

Cancer is known as uncontrollable cell growth which results in the formation of tumours in the areas that are affected by the cancer. There are two types of tumours: benign and malignant. This study focus is on prostate cancer (PCa) as one of the most common cancers in men around the world. A previous study has reported that there were 27,132 new cases of cancer in South Africa in 2010. Out of those, 4652 were prostate cancer cases, which make it a considerable issue. The prostate is a gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is more apparent in men over the age of 65 years however it can be present in men of a lower age. However it is rare in men under 45 years of age. Prostate cancer start as a small group of cancer cells that can grow into a mature tumour. In the advanced stages, the tumour cells can spread to other tissue by metastases and can lead to death. Current diagnostic tools include Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), the Prostate-Specific Antigen test (PSA) ultra sound, and biopsy.