The use of miRNAs to predict treatment response and acute toxicity after radiotherapy in prostate cancer patients: clinical application of miRNAs for the development of personalized treatment

Prostate cancer represents a major oncological challenge. Choosing the optimal therapeutic approach is key to improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects, so it is necessary to identify biomarkers that would support personalized treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers due to their role in the regulation of gene expression, thus influencing various pathological processes, including the development and progression of prostate cancer. Our study aims to investigate the changes in the concentration of selected vesicular and soluble miRNAs in plasma and urine before and after radiotherapy (RT) and their association with the treatment response, as well as with side effects and toxicity of radiotherapy (RT). Relaying on the collection and analysis of urine and blood samples and the use of modern molecular genetic and biochemical methods, this project will provide a deeper insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms in prostate cancer regulated by miRNAs and their potential role as biomarkers of prostate cancer treatment response with RT in clinical practice.