Recent investigations have confirmed up-regulation of serum miR-21 and its 
diagnostic and prognostic value in several human malignancies. In this study, we 
examined serum miR-21 levels in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients, and 
explored its association with clinicopathological factors and prognosis. The 
results showed significantly higher serum miR-21 levels in EOC patients than in 
healthy controls. In addition, increased serum miR-21 expression was correlated 
with advanced FIGO stage, high tumor grade, and shortened overall survival. 
These findings indicate that serum miR-21 may serve as a novel diagnostic and 
prognostic marker, and be used as a therapeutic target for the treatment of EOC.