Circulating Micro-RNAs Predict the Risk of Recurrence in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Jouni Kujala ¹, Maria Tengström ², Sami Heikkinen ³

⁰Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Pathology and Forensic Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.

Cells +

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November 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) recurrence risk can be assessed using circulating micro-RNAs (cmiRNAs) from liquid biopsies. Three specific cmiRNAs show potential as prognostic biomarkers for predicting TNBC recurrence and survival outcomes.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Molecular Biology
Biomarker Discovery

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by high recurrence rates.
Liquid biopsies offer a non-invasive method for detecting cancer biomarkers.
Circulating micro-RNAs (cmiRNAs) are emerging as potential prognostic indicators in various cancers.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the utility of serum cmiRNAs as prognostic biomarkers for TNBC recurrence.
To compare cmiRNA expression profiles between recurrent and non-recurrent TNBC cases.
To identify specific cmiRNAs associated with recurrence-free survival in TNBC.

Main Methods

Serum samples from 14 recurrent and 19 non-recurrent TNBC patients were analyzed for cmiRNA sequencing.
Differential expression analysis was performed to identify cmiRNAs associated with recurrence status.
Multivariable survival analysis was used to assess the association of cmiRNAs with recurrence-free survival.
Correlation analysis was conducted between serum and matched tumor cmiRNA expression profiles.

Main Results

Ten differentially expressed (DE) cmiRNAs were identified between recurrent and non-recurrent TNBC cases.
Three cmiRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-26b-5p) were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival.
Serum and matched tumor cmiRNA expression profiles showed a positive correlation.
DE cmiRNAs were linked to cancer-related signaling pathways and improved recurrence risk prediction models.

Conclusions

Recurrent and non-recurrent TNBC exhibit distinct serum cmiRNA expression profiles.
Specific cmiRNAs, including miR-21-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-26b-5p, can serve as prognostic biomarkers for TNBC recurrence risk.
Serum cmiRNAs hold promise for non-invasive assessment and management of TNBC recurrence.

Keywords:

liquid biopsy sequencing serum survival

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