Critical regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs in driving cancer sensitivity to Carmustine: a systematic review

Cancer is a significant health burden throughout the world. Gliomas are a type of cancer with the origin of central nervous system. They are the most prevalent group of brain malignancies. Chemotherapy is an integral component of standard treatment strategies for this disease. Carmustine is regarded as one of the most effective chemotherapy drugs against different cancer types and, most importantly, Gliomas. However development of resistance to Carmustine has restricted its application. It is evidenced that non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs), play significant roles in association with the occurrence of this phenomenon. In the present systematic study, the interaction mechanisms between non-coding RNAs And Carmustine in the modulation of sensitivity to this drug in cancer have been investigated. The search and analysis steps followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. According to the opted criteria, a total of 12 studies were eligible for inclusion in the study. Up or downregulation of non-coding RNA expression levels effectively influences the biology of various signaling pathways in Glioblastoma cell lines or tumors. Eventually, these significant influences would be translated into an altered status of sensitivity to Carmustine. A deeper understanding of the underscored network of interactions could be potentially helpful for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy-based approaches against cancer.