miRNA expression profiling in locally advanced rectal cancer

Specific miRNA expression profile correlates with complete pathologic response, evaluated as Tumor Regression Grade according to Mandard classification on surgical specimens, in locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Complete pathologic response represents the main predictive factor of better outcome in patient affected by locally advanced rectal cancer. So aforementioned signature may represent a new predictive factor of optimal response to treatment and better prognosis in this stage of disease.