Study of Circulating microRNAs and Their Link to Breast Cancer Subtypes and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how specific circulating microRNAs miRNAs relate to the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy NAC in breast cancer patients. This observational study focuses on changes in miRNA levels before starting NAC and before surgery, aiming to understand their association with treatment outcomes. The study also explores whether these miRNA changes can predict responses across different breast cancer subtypes, potentially helping to guide personalized therapy. Participants diagnosed with breast cancer and scheduled for standard NAC will have serum samples collected at two key points before starting chemotherapy and after completing NAC but before surgery. The study will use quantitative RT-PCR to measure selected miRNAs such as the miR-200 family, miR-34a, miR-221222, miR-155, and miR-146a. Treatment response will be assessed using pathological complete response pCR status and Miller-Payne tumor regression grading. No experimental drugs or devices are involved, and all treatments follow standard care protocols. During the study, researchers will collect and analyze blood samples to track miRNA changes and correlate these with cancer subtype and treatment response. They will also examine circulating tumor cell levels and their relationship to outcomes. The primary outcome is the change in circulating miRNA expression before and after NAC. The study aims to identify minimally invasive biomarkers that could improve prediction of chemotherapy response and support personalized treatment planning. Participation involves routine clinical evaluations and blood draws, with the study expected to run until December 2026.

Circulating microRNAs and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer