MicroRNAs as Potential Predictors of Response to CDK4/6 Inhibitor Treatment

Abstract

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors have emerged as novel treatment options in the management of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. MicroRNAs are endogenous non-coding 19–22-nucleotide-long RNAs that regulate gene expression in development and tumorigenesis. Herein, we systematically review all microRNAs associated with response to CDK4/6 inhibitors in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Eligible articles were identified by a search of the MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for the period up to1 January 2021; the algorithm consisted of a predefined combination of the words “microRNAs”, “cancer” and “CDK 4/6 inhibitors”. Overall, 15 studies were retrieved. Six microRNAs (miR-126, miR-326, miR3613-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-497 and miR-17-92) were associated with sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Conversely, six microRNAs (miR-193b, miR-432-5p, miR-200a, miR-223, Let-7a and miR-21) conferred resistance to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors. An additional number of microRNAs (miR-124a, miR9, miR200b and miR-106b) were shown to mediate cellular response to CDK4/6 inhibitors without affecting sensitivity to treatment. Collectively, our review provides evidence that microRNAs could serve as predictive biomarkers for treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors. Moreover, microRNA-targeted therapy could potentially maximize sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibition.