Circulating MicroRNA Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Detection

Circulating microRNAs, short non-coding RNA molecules of approximately 22 nucleotides, are released into the bloodstream by healthy and malignant cells via passive leakage or active secretion within extracellular vesicles. Their stability against RNase degradation and distinctive expression profiles in breast tumours have positioned them as promising minimally invasive biomarkers. Quantitative PCR, next-generation sequencing and emerging microfluidic platforms enable the accurate measurement of miRNAs in serum or plasma. Panels of dysregulated miRNAs can distinguish early-stage breast cancer from benign lesions and healthy controls with sensitivity and specificity often comparable to or exceeding those of conventional imaging. Integrated signatures that combine upregulated and downregulated miRNAs further improve diagnostic power and can predict lymph-node involvement and overall survival. Standardised protocols for sample handling, data normalisation and validation across diverse populations are under development, advancing the translation of miRNA-based liquid biopsy into clinical practice.

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Circulating MicroRNA Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Detection publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in circulating microrna biomarkers in breast cancer detection across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

MicroRNA (miRNA): A small non-coding RNA of about 22 nucleotides that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally.

Extracellular vesicle (EV): A membrane-bound particle released by cells that carries proteins, lipids and nucleic acids including miRNAs.

Liquid biopsy: A diagnostic test conducted on body fluids to detect circulating tumour-derived molecules such as miRNAs.

Sensitivity: The ability of a biomarker test to correctly identify individuals with disease.

Specificity: The ability of a biomarker test to correctly identify individuals without disease.

Area under the curve (AUC): A measure of diagnostic accuracy representing the likelihood that a test will distinguish between diseased and non-diseased states.

References

1. Tumor-derived EV miRNA signatures surpass total EV miRNA in supplementing mammography for precision breast cancer diagnosis. Theranostics (2024).
2. Integrated miRNA Signatures: Advancing Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis. Biomolecules (2024).
3. MicroRNA Dysregulation in Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).