Advances in the research on circular RNA in pediatric pancreatic tumors

Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by its insidious onset and extreme malignancy, is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies and poses significant challenges in clinical management, with a dismal 5-year survival rate due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Although advances have been made in understanding adult pancreatic tumors, pediatric pancreatic tumors (PPTs) remain understudied, with research on their molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers still in the early stages. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a newly discovered class of endogenous noncoding RNA molecules, have recently been identified as key regulators in tumorigenesis, progression, and therapeutic response. Unlike linear RNAs, circRNAs possess a unique covalently closed-loop structure, which confers exceptional stability and resistance to degradation. This feature makes them promising candidates as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. A growing body of evidence suggests that circRNAs play crucial roles in various cancers, including pancreatic tumors, by modulating gene expression, interacting with microRNAs, and influencing signaling pathways. In PPT, the exploration of circRNAs is still nascent, yet preliminary studies indicate their involvement in tumor development and progression. Some circRNAs have been found to promote cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, while others may act as tumor suppressors. Identifying specific circRNA signatures in PPT could enhance early detection, improve prognostic assessment, and uncover novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the current understanding of circRNAs in PPT, highlighting their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Elucidating their molecular mechanisms may inspire innovative approaches in managing this rare but devastating disease. Further investigations are needed to validate the findings gleaned thus far and translate them into clinical practice.