Date of Publication

7-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Cancer Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Gerard Anthony M. Espiritu

Defense Panel Chair

Roberto M. Demigillo, Jr

Defense Panel Member

Eligio Santiago V. Maghirang
Don Ashley O. Malabana

Abstract (English)

In the Philippines, lung cancer is one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths. This is worsened by the continuous incidence of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). MicroRNA-21 (miR-21), because of its role in invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance, is a good candidate for targeted therapy. This study seeks to determine the expression of miR-21 in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) among Filipinos. Five (5) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary lung tumor tissue samples and 5 FFPE nonneoplastic lung tissue samples were retrieved from Tondo Medical Center's Department of Pathology and Laboratory. RNA was isolated and purified, which was then subjected to reverse transcription. The resulting complementary DNA (cDNA) was analyzed through quantitative PCR using miR-21 primers. The CT values were used as a basis to determine if an amplification occurred. Expression of miR-21 between NSCLC and nonneoplastic lung tissues was compared. All nonneoplastic lung tissues were diagnosed with chronic granulomatous inflammation. Two of five nonneoplastic lung tissues expressed miR-21, which both had extensive fibrosis. Age ranges from 15 to 48 years with female predominance. Two of five NSCLC tissues similarly expressed miR-21, one of which demonstrated squamous cell carcinoma with vascular invasion. This also had the lowest CT value (suggesting highest expression) across all nonneoplastic and NSCLC tissues. The other one was diagnosed as invasive lung adenocarcinoma. Upon microscopic review, the remaining three without miR-21 expression had very minute foci of tumor cells that may have contributed to this qRT-PCR outcome. Age ranges of patients with NSCLC were 64 to 72 years with male predominance. The high expression of miR-21 in the squamous cell carcinoma with vascular invasion is consistent with the association of miR-21 to tumor aggressiveness and lymphatic metastases. The results can provide the groundwork for future studies further investigating the potential miRNA-21 features as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent in assessing non-small cell lung carcinoma. Thus, a prospective multi-centered study with a larger cohort is warranted.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

"-"

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Lungs—Cancer--Philippines

Upload Full Text

wf_yes

Embargo Period

8-9-2028

Download

Available for download on Wednesday, August 09, 2028

Share

COinS