CircRNAs as Possible Potential Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Prognosis and Chemotherapy Response: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Optimal methods for most cancer control require the use of appropriate biomarkers. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), as closed-loop RNA molecules generated through reverse splicing, have emerged as promising biomarkers for cancer development.  Methods: In this observation, the expression of 3 unique circRNAs - cdr1as, circRNA-000284, circ-ITCH - within the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients was studied using Real-Time RT-PCR before and after chemotherapy compared with the control.   Results: The data confirmed that the analyzed circRNAs expression was significantly altered in breast cancer patients compared to the controls. These alterations have been related to advanced stages, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. CircRNA-000284 expression considerably decreased after chemotherapy. This may proposed its potential as a biomarker for monitoring treatment response. Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights for the development of novel  strategies in the management and treatment of breast cancer. However, further studies are required to validate the clinical utility of these circRNAs as biomarkers and to explore their underlying mechanisms in breast cancer progression.