miRNA – Therapeutic tool in breast cancer? Where are we now?

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the current knowledge about involvement of microRNAs in breast cancer, and their potential in the clinic, published in scientific journals searched in Pubmed/Medline database until March 2014.

Results

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of 21–25 nucleotide small RNAs molecules. Currently, it is well known that miRNA plays a key role in all cellular processes of the organism including tumour initiation and progression. Many studies have shown that circulating miRNAs are attractive, easily detectable tumour biomarkers. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is clinically established that different subtypes may respond differently to therapies, give metastases and present drug resistance. MicroRNAs have a potential as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools in breast cancer.

Conclusion

Molecular knowledge is crucial for choosing the most effective therapy for individual patients. MicroRNAs holds a great potential in anticancer therapy.