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Published on: October 7, 2025
Micro-RNAs as Potential Predictors of Response to Breast Cancer Systemic Therapy: Future Clinical Implications
Alma D Campos-Parra1, Gerardo Cuamani Mitznahuatl2, Abraham Pedroza-Torres3,4
1Laboratorio de Genomica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, Mexico. adcamposparra@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Despite advances in diagnosis and new treatments such as targeted therapies, breast cancer (BC) is still the most prevalent tumor in women worldwide and the leading cause of death. The principal obstacle for successful BC treatment is the acquired or de novo resistance of the tumors to the systemic therapy (chemotherapy, endocrine, and targeted therapies) that patients receive. In the era of personalized treatment, several studies have focused on the search for biomarkers capable of predicting the response to this therapy; microRNAs (miRNAs) stand out among these markers due to their broad spectrum or potential clinical applications. miRNAs are conserved small non-coding RNAs that act as negative regulators of gene expression playing an important role in several cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, autophagy, genomic stability, and apoptosis. We reviewed recent data that describe the role of miRNAs as potential predictors of response to systemic treatments in BC. Furthermore, upon analyzing the collected published information, we noticed that the overexpression of miR-155, miR-222, miR-125b, and miR-21 predicts the resistance to the most common systemic treatments; nonetheless, the function of these particular miRNAs must be carefully studied and further analyses are still necessary to increase knowledge about their role and future potential clinical uses in BC.
Insights
Certain microRNAs (miRNAs) like miR-155, miR-222, miR-125b, and miR-21 may predict breast cancer treatment resistance. Further research is needed to understand their role and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer death in women globally, despite diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
- Tumor resistance to systemic therapies (chemotherapy, endocrine, targeted) is a major challenge in effective breast cancer treatment.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators of gene expression and potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current data on the role of miRNAs as predictors of response to systemic treatments in breast cancer.
- To identify specific miRNAs associated with resistance to common breast cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review of recent studies on miRNAs and their role in breast cancer treatment resistance.
- Analysis of published data to identify miRNAs consistently linked to therapy resistance.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of specific miRNAs, including miR-155, miR-222, miR-125b, and miR-21, has been associated with resistance to common systemic treatments for breast cancer.
- These miRNAs play significant roles in cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, influencing treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Certain miRNAs show potential as predictive biomarkers for breast cancer treatment resistance.
- Further in-depth study of these miRNAs is essential to elucidate their precise functions and explore their clinical utility in personalized breast cancer therapy.
