СIRCULATING MIRNAS AS PREDICTIVE MARKERS FOR LINE I AND II NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY IN TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER.

Abstract

Background: miRNAs have emerged as promising biomarkers for breast cancer, particularly in predicting treatment response and prognosis. Their ability to regulate gene expression and their presence in various bodily fluids make them valuable tools for personalized medicine.

Materials and methods: The study was based on a retrospective analysis of the results of the examination, treatment, and survival of 94 patients with stage II-III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who underwent treatment at the Kyiv City Clinical Oncology Center during 2013-2017. miRNA expressions in blood serum were estimated using the real-time RT-PCR.

Results: The elevated levels of miR-21, -155, -199a, and -200b (p < 0.05) were linked to metastasis to regional lymph nodes, while miR-373 and -126 expression levels were associated with the tumor stage (r = 0.55 and 0.57, respectively, p < 0.05). The higher serum levels of miR-21 (> 5.4, p < 0.05), -125b (> 6.0, p < 0.05) and the lower miR-205 levels (< 2.0, p < 0.05) were associated with the poorer response to line I and II neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The serum levels of miR-21, -125b, -126, -199a, -200b, -205, and -373 were found to correlate with the overall and recurrence-free survivals in TNBC patients.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that miRNA-based biomarkers may have the potential as prognostic and predictive tools in TNBC, aiding in personalized treatment strategies.