In this episode, Theral delves into the groundbreaking role of microRNA as a cancer biomarker with Tim Williams, professor of clinical pathology at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School, and Paola Ulivi, a leading researcher at the Instituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori Dino Amadori (IRST) in Italy. MicroRNA, which recently garnered its discoverers a Nobel Prize, has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting and tracking cancer progression. Williams and Ulivi share their latest research, highlighting how microRNA’s rise in cancer diagnostics parallels the evolution of fragmentomics, which analyzes cell-free and circulating tumor DNA. We explore the key differences between using RNA and DNA in biomarker development, the advancements in tools driving these discoveries, and the timeline for microRNA-based diagnostic tests to reach clinical practice. “There’s a lot of potential,” says Ulivi, “but the challenge in translating this into clinical practice will be the standardization and normalization of the process." Join us as we discuss the promise, obstacles, and future of microRNA in transforming how we diagnose and treat cancer. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mendelspod.com/subscribe