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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as A Novel Detection and Quantification Method
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Interplay Between MicroRNAs and Breast Cancer Therapies: Personalized Therapeutic Potential for HER2-Low Breast

Eduarda Carvalho1, Fernando Schmitt1,2, Nuno Vale1,3

  • 1PerMed Research Group, RISE-Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.

Cancers
|November 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

HER2-low breast cancer treatment faces challenges due to tumor heterogeneity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise in personalizing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies, potentially overcoming resistance and improving outcomes for patients with HER2-low breast cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • HER2-low breast cancer is heterogeneous, with luminal-like or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) phenotypes.
  • Current HER2-targeted therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) like trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), show limited efficacy and can lead to resistance.
  • Tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance limit treatment options for HER2-low breast cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current HER2-targeted therapies for HER2-low breast cancer.
  • To explore the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in modulating gene expression and cellular processes relevant to cancer therapy.
  • To investigate the potential interplay between miRNAs and HER2-targeted therapies to develop personalized treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on HER2-low breast cancer, HER2-targeted therapies (ADCs), and microRNAs (miRNAs).
  • Analysis of mechanisms underlying HER2-targeted therapy efficacy and resistance.
  • Exploration of miRNA-mediated gene regulation and signaling pathway modulation in breast cancer.

Main Results:

  • HER2-low breast cancer exhibits significant heterogeneity, impacting treatment response.
  • ADCs like T-DXd offer improved outcomes but do not fully address tumor diversity and resistance.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and hold potential for therapeutic targeting.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the interplay between miRNAs and HER2-targeted therapies is crucial for overcoming treatment resistance in HER2-low breast cancer.
  • Personalized therapeutic strategies incorporating miRNA modulation could significantly improve patient outcomes.
  • Further research into miRNA-HER2 therapy crosstalk is needed to guide clinical practice and enhance treatment efficacy.
Keywords:
HER2-lowbreast cancermicroRNAsprecision medicinetherapies

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