Revolutionizing treatment for triple-negative breast cancer: Harnessing the power of exosomal miRNAs for targeted therapy

• Published in: Pathology, research and practice research and practice, 2023-10, Vol.250, p.154825-154825, Article 154825
• Main Authors: Jalil, Abduladheem Turki, Jehad, Muhanad Tareq, Al-Ameer, Lubna R., Khallawi, Anwar Qasim, Essa, Israa M., Merza, Muna S., Zabibah, Rahman S., Al-Hili, Farah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exosome; MiRNA; Therapy; Triple negative breast cancer
• ISSN: 0344-0338; 1618-0631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154825

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a challenging and aggressive form of breast cancer associated with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Although chemotherapy is a primary therapeutic approach, drug resistance often hinders treatment success. However, the expanding knowledge of TNBC subtypes and molecular biology has paved the way for targeted therapies. Notably, exosomes (extracellular vesicles) have emerged as crucial carriers of tumorigenic factors involved in oncogenesis and drug resistance, facilitating cell-to-cell communication and offering potential as self-delivery systems. Among the cargo carried by exosomes, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained attention due to their ability to mediate epigenetic changes in recipient cells upon transfer. Research has confirmed dysregulation of exosomal miRNAs in breast cancer cells compared to healthy cells, establishing them as promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the latest research findings that underscore the diagnostic and prognostic significance of exosomal miRNAs in TNBC treatment. Furthermore, we explore contemporary therapeutic approaches utilizing these exosomal miRNAs for the benefit of TNBC patients, shedding light on potential breakthroughs in TNBC management.