Microrna expression model as survival indicator in patients having metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is among the most common causes of cancer-related death in the Western world and one of the most common malignant tumours in the world. Treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer normally includes chemotherapy, although success rates vary considerably among patients. It is therefore necessary to predict responses and survival rates in individual patients. The present invention provides methods and tools that represent greater progress. In particular, the invention provides information on a set of microRNAs which can be used in methods for predicting the survival of patients treated with chemotherapy. The invention also relates to the tools which can be used in said prediction methods.