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Clinicopathological Analysis of miRNA Expression in Breast Cancer Tissues by Using miRNA In Situ Hybridization
Published on: June 7, 2016
ASSOCIATION OF miRNA EXPRESSION PATTERN WITH OUTCOME OF LETROZOLE THERAPY IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
O Pridko1, T Borikun2, O Rossylna3
1Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod 88000, Ukraine.
Abstract:
Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent tumor and the leading cause of death among women worldwide, despite the advancements in diagnosis and new treatments. A significant challenge in BC treatment is the acquired or de novo resistance of tumors to systemic therapy. To overcome this obstacle, personalized treatment is needed, with a focus on finding biomarkers capable of predicting the response to therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential markers due to their diverse clinical applications.
Aim:
To examine the potential prognostic significance of miR-125b-2, -155, -221, and -320a expression in the tumor cells of individuals with hormone-dependent BC before undergoing neoadjuvant hormonal therapy.
Materials And Methods:
The study is based on a retrospective analysis of the treatment outcome of 56 patients with stage II-III locally disseminated hormone-dependent BC. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on the biopsy material to assess the expression of miR-125b-2, -155, and -221 before neoadjuvant hormonal therapy with aromatase inhibi- tor letrozole to predict clinical response.
Results:
Most HER2/neu+ BC patients had low levels of miR-155 and miR-221 expression in tumor biopsy specimens. Tumors that responded well to letrozole exhibited lower levels of miR-125b-2 and miR-221 compared to non-responsive tumors.
Conclusions:
miR-125b-2, -155, and -221 expres- sion can predict resistance to the letrozole treatment of BC.
Insights
MicroRNA (miRNA) expression levels, specifically miR-125b-2, -155, and -221, can predict treatment resistance in hormone-dependent breast cancer (BC). These findings aid in developing personalized therapies for BC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of death in women globally, with treatment resistance posing a significant challenge.
- Personalized treatment strategies require reliable biomarkers to predict therapy response.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as diagnostic and prognostic markers in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic value of specific microRNAs (miR-125b-2, -155, -221, and -320a) in hormone-dependent breast cancer (BC).
- To assess the predictive significance of these miRNAs for treatment response in patients undergoing neoadjuvant hormonal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 56 patients with locally advanced hormone-dependent BC (Stage II-III).
- Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) used to measure miRNA expression in tumor biopsy samples.
- Assessment of miRNA expression prior to neoadjuvant hormonal therapy with letrozole (aromatase inhibitor).
Main Results:
- HER2/neu-positive BC patients generally showed low expression of miR-155 and miR-221.
- Tumors that responded effectively to letrozole treatment had lower levels of miR-125b-2 and miR-221 compared to non-responsive tumors.
- Expression levels of miR-125b-2, -155, and -221 were associated with treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- miR-125b-2, miR-155, and miR-221 expression levels can serve as predictive biomarkers for letrozole treatment resistance in breast cancer.
- These miRNAs hold potential for guiding personalized therapeutic decisions in hormone-dependent BC.
- Further research into miRNA-based biomarkers could improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
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