MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have become key players in the pathogenesis, development, and response to treatment of breast cancer. This chapter discusses the clinical and preclinical implications of miRNAs, with special emphasis on their function in drug resistance, tumor suppression, and therapeutic responsiveness. The miR-34a-mediated tumor-suppressive effects of combination treatments, the prognostic value of circulating miRNA by miR-34a and miR-195, and miRNA polymorphism (e.g., miR-23b and miR-107) effects on post-operative pain treatment are discussed in detail. Further, miRNAs are investigated as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and, therefore, as possible targets for translation in personalized medicine. Although it is challenging to target miRNAs therapeutically, their multi-targeting efficacy is superior to that of single-gene therapies. The findings underscore the growing promise of miRNA-based therapies and their standing in clinical oncology for the better management of breast cancer.