A Systematic Review of MicroRNAs in Nasal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Perspectives

Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a highly aggressive malignancy with significant predominance with Epstein-Barr virus infection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be key regulators in cancer biology that influence tumorigenesis, disease progression, and immune evasion. This systematic review examines the role of miRNAs in diagnostics, prognosis, and treatment of NKTCL. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched using the keywords “miRNAs” and “nasal lymphoma.” Duplicate removal and selection based on the inclusion criteria produced 15 studies for final inclusion. Study design, specific miRNAs under study, and their relevance to NKTCL have been extracted for this narrative synthesis. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and results were narratively synthesized. In the selected studies, miRNAs showed their utility as potential diagnostic markers. Downregulated miRNAs, including miR-15a, miR-101, and miR-342-3p, differentiated NKTCL from normal tissue, while EBV-encoded miRNAs, including miR-BART20-5p and miR-BART8, were identified as potential circulating biomarkers. Prognostically, miRNAs such as miR-223 and miR-342-3p were associated with poor survival and aggressive disease features. Therapeutically, miRNA-based interventions targeting EBV miRNAs, such as miR-BART20-5p and miR-BART9, were emphasized for their ability to modulate immune pathways and oncogenic signaling. Despite these promising reports, heterogeneity in study designs and geographic settings limits their generalization. miRNAs are emerging as key players in the treatment of NKTCL, with application in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Larger, heterogeneous cohorts and the progression of miRNA-based therapeutic research should further validate such studies. This review highlights the potential of miRNA in translation into better outcomes in NKTCL patients.