Unveiling the miRNAs responsive to physical activity/exercise training in cancer: A systematic review

Purpose: Since cancer-related miRNAs expression are affected by physical activity/exercise, they represent an attractive tool to monitor this response in healthy and in cancer subjects. Here, we aim to update the literature regarding the benefit of this axis in oncology field. Method: We systematically questioned the literature according to PRISMA guidelines defining our questions by PICO tool and carrying out the risk of bias and quality assessment by NOS. Results: Among 751 records risen from the initial search, 28 studies resulted eligible. The majority of studies regarded breast cancer, while others were initially conducted in healthy subjects and afterwards authors speculated on the relationship between exercise-modulated miRNAs and cancer. Conclusion: Physical activity/exercise induces beneficial effects in the cancer prevention, prognosis and treatments. Among the miRNAs modulated by physical activity/exercise, miR-21, let-7 and miR-133 families resulted the most promising in this field.