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Xu et al. Cancer Drug Resist 2024;7:13 Cancer
DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.141
Drug Resistance

Review Open Access

The therapeutic potential of circular RNA in triple-
negative breast cancer

2,#
1,#
3
3
Aiqi Xu , Lewei Zhu , Chengcai Yao , Wen Zhou , Ziyun Guan 3
1
Department of Breast Oncology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong,
China.
2
Department of Breast Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, Guangdong, China.
3
The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China.
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Authors contributed equally.
Correspondence to: Prof. Ziyun Guan, Prof. Wen Zhou, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University
of Technology, No.120 Guidan Road, Shishan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China. E-mail:
lyguanzy@scut.edu.cn; lyzhouw@scut.edu.cn
How to cite this article: Xu A, Zhu L, Yao C, Zhou W, Guan Z. The therapeutic potential of circular RNA in triple-negative breast
cancer. Cancer Drug Resist 2024;7:13. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/cdr.2023.141
Received: 15 Nov 2023 First Decision: 23 Jan 2024 Revised: 27 Mar 2024 Accepted: 28 Mar 2024 Published: 23 Apr 2024
Academic Editors: Hailin Tang, Godefridus J. Peters Copy Editor: Dong-Li Li Production Editor: Dong-Li Li

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is among the most aggressive subtypes of the disease that does not express
estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Circular RNAs
(circRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA with a circular shape formed by non-standard splicing or reverse splicing.
Numerous circRNAs exhibit abnormal expression in various malignancies, showing their critical role in the
emergence and growth of tumors. Recent studies have shown evidence supporting the idea that certain circRNAs
regulate the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC. In addition, circRNAs alter metabolism and the immune
microenvironment to promote or inhibit the development of TNBC. Notably, circRNAs may affect the efficacy of
clinical drug therapy, serve as therapeutic targets, and be used as molecular biomarkers in the future. Herein, we
will first summarize the biogenesis and function of circRNAs. Then, we will explain current research on circRNAs
related to TNBC and their potential to serve as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for future drug development,
providing a new direction and idea for TNBC therapy.

Keywords: Triple-negative breast cancer, circular RNA, non-coding RNA

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