Missing link - Viral RNA signatures in circulating exosomes as early diagnostic biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancers

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz

This editorial emphasizes the critical role of viral RNA signatures encapsulated within circulating exosomes as a potential missing link in the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Existing diagnostics for virus-associated GI malignancies often miss infections during subclinical or pre-cancerous stages. Viral RNA-loaded exosomes are proposed as stable, specific, non-invasive biomarkers, enabling earlier detection and improving monitoring compared with conventional methods.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Core Tip

| W | J | G | O | World Journal of
Gastrointestinal Oncology | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | Submit a Manuscript: [https://www.f6publishing.com](https://www.f6publishing.com) World J Gastrointest Oncol 2025 September 15; 17(9): 110110 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v17.i9.110110 ISSN 1948-5204 (online) EDITORIAL Missing link: Viral RNA signatures in circulating exosomes as early diagnostic biomarkers for gastrointestinal cancers Mahmoud Darweesh, Saeed Mohammadi Specialty type: Oncology Provenance and peer review: Invited article; Externally peer reviewed. Peer-review model: Single blind Peer-review report’s classification Scientific Quality: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C Novelty: Grade A, Grade B, Grade C Creativity or Innovation: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C Scientific Significance: Grade B, Grade B, Grade C P-Reviewer: Corovic I, MD, Researcher, Serbia; Ždralević M, PhD, Assistant Professor, Montenegro Received: May 30, 2025 Revised: July 2, 2025 Accepted: August 13, 2025 Published online: September 15, 2025 Processing time: 105 Days and 23.5 Hours Mahmoud Darweesh, Saeed Mohammadi, Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman Mahmoud Darweesh, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alazhr University, Assiut 71524, Egypt Saeed Mohammadi, Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 49341-74515, Iran Co-first authors: Mahmoud Darweesh and Saeed Mohammadi. Corresponding author: Saeed Mohammadi, PhD, Assistant Professor, Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mouz University of Nizwa Campus, Nizwa 616, Ad Dakhiliyah, [Oman.](Oman. s.mohammadi@unizwa.edu.om)[ s.mohammadi@unizwa.edu.om](Oman. s.mohammadi@unizwa.edu.om) Abstract This editorial highlights the critical role of viral RNA signatures encapsulated within circulating exosomes as a potential missing link in the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Current diagnostic methods for virus-associated GI malignancies often fall short in detecting infections at subclinical or pre-cancerous stages. We propose that viral RNA-loaded exosomes, by offering stable, specific, and non-invasive biomarkers, can bridge this gap and revolutionize early detection compared to conventional approaches. As highlighted by Zhang et al in their recent review, viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C viruses, EpsteinBarr virus, and human papillomavirus, are well-established contributors to the pathogenesis of various GI malignancies. However, current diagnostic methods often underperform in detecting these infections at subclinical or pre-cancerous stages. We highlight the shared points between virology, exosome biology, and oncology, reinforcing the importance of viral RNA-loaded exosomes as a “missing link” in the early detection of virus-associated GI cancers. We also discuss current challenges, translational opportunities, and the requirements for clinical validation of these promising biomarkers. Key Words: Exosomes; Viral RNA; Liquid biopsy; Gastrointestinal cancer; Early detection; Epstein-Barr virus; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Biomarkers; Noncoding RNA ©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. WJGO [https://www.wjgnet.com](https://www.wjgnet.com) 1 September 15, 2025 Volume 17 Issue 9 Darweesh M et al. Exosomal viral RNA in GI cancer diagnosis Core Tip: Early and accurate diagnostic markers are essential for managing gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, as their prognosis is linked to the stage of detection. This editorial emphasizes the potential of virus-enriched exosomes as a novel, non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection and monitoring of GI cancers, particularly those associated with oncogenic viruses like Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis B virus. The viral RNA signatures within these

FAQs

What is the main idea of this editorial?

It argues that viral RNA signatures inside circulating exosomes could serve as a missing link for early diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers, especially those associated with oncogenic viruses.

Why do current diagnostic methods have limitations?

Current approaches for virus-associated GI malignancies often fail to detect infections at subclinical or pre-cancerous stages, leading to diagnosis at more advanced disease stages.

How are viral RNA-loaded exosomes expected to help?

They may provide stable, specific, non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and for distinguishing malignant from benign conditions, with potential insight into tumor progression and therapeutic targeting.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz