Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Non-Coding RNA-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Giovana Prado Scaratti1,2, Inaiê Maiala de Almeida Miranda1,2, Emanuelle Nunes-Souza1,2
1Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Av. Silva Jardim, 1632, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by marked clinical and molecular heterogeneity, which underlies the limited success of currently available targeted therapies and results in most patients relying on cytotoxic chemotherapy. This therapeutic gap underscores the pressing need for novel therapeutic approaches, in which non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as promising candidates. In this systematic review, 35 pre-clinical studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting ncRNAs in TNBC, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs. The original articles employed in vivo tumor models to assess the therapeutic response of ncRNA expression modulation, using miRNA mimics, antagomiRs, ASOs, shRNAs, and siRNAs integrated into advanced targeted delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and exosomes. According to the selected studies, 28 specific ncRNAs were identified as actionable molecular targets. Modulation of these molecules consistently resulted in tumor growth suppression, metastasis inhibition, and restoration of sensitivity to standard chemotherapeutic agents. Collectively, the pre-clinical evidence presented in these studies positions ncRNA-based therapies as innovative, promising, and potentially effective strategies for advancing TNBC treatment.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) show promise for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Targeting specific ncRNAs in preclinical models suppressed tumor growth and metastasis, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- RNA Therapeutics
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits significant heterogeneity, limiting current targeted therapy success.
- Most TNBC patients rely on chemotherapy, highlighting the need for novel treatment strategies.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as potential therapeutic targets in TNBC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review preclinical studies evaluating the therapeutic potential of targeting ncRNAs in TNBC.
- To identify specific ncRNAs as actionable targets for TNBC treatment.
- To assess the efficacy of ncRNA modulation in preclinical TNBC models.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 35 preclinical studies (2020-2025) on ncRNA targeting in TNBC.
- Analysis of studies using in vivo tumor models to assess therapeutic responses.
- Evaluation of various ncRNA modulation techniques (miRNA mimics, antagomiRs, ASOs, shRNAs, siRNAs) and delivery systems (nanoparticles, exosomes).
Main Results:
- Identified 28 specific ncRNAs as actionable targets in TNBC.
- ncRNA modulation consistently suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical models.
- Targeting ncRNAs restored sensitivity to standard chemotherapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- Preclinical evidence supports ncRNA-based therapies as promising strategies for TNBC treatment.
- Targeting ncRNAs offers a novel approach to overcome therapeutic limitations in TNBC.
- Further development of ncRNA-based therapies could significantly advance TNBC treatment options.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...