Abstract 4647: Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic value of circular RNAs in triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract Background: Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is known for its aggressive nature, high recurrence rate, poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Currently, the use of non-coding RNAs as diagnosis or prognosis biomarkers or even target treatment options for TNBC are being studied. Among the non-coding RNAs, recent studies show that circular RNAs (circRNAs) levels are differentially expressed in TNBC tumor tissues, they also interact with micro RNAs and regulate multiple intracellular mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, their distinct shape makes them more stable and resistant. However, the transition from laboratory research to their clinical application as biomarkers is still in progress. In this meta-analysis we compare multiple studies on prognostic values of circRNAs. Methods: After detailed literature search on EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science, eligible studies were meta-analyzed to estimate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in TNBC patients based on their levels of expression of circRNAs. Results: A total of 1991 patients had their serum or TNBC tumor samples analyzed across 15 different studies and the levels of expression of certain circRNAs were found to be upregulated or downregulated in TNBC compared to normal breast tissues. High expression of upregulated circRNAs also significantly impacts the outcomes of TNBC patients with poor OS (adjusted: HR=2.85, 95%CI: 2.02 - 4.00) and reduced DFS (HR=5.43, 95%CI: 1.82 - 16.21). Moreover, circCRIM1, circEIF6, circTRIO, circCFL1, circGNB1, circRAD18, circ_0001006, circSIPA1L3, circ_0000199, circTBC1D14, circIFI30, circSEPT9, circ_0003528 were upregulated and their high level was associated with worse outcomes. Conversely, circFBXW7 was downregulated in TNBC samples and low levels were significantly associated with bad prognosis. Conclusion: This review showed that circRNAs are abnormally expressed in TNBC tumors, their levels significantly impact the outcome of the patients and their distinct molecular structure is more stable and less prone to degradation which makes them good candidates for prognosis biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Citation Format: Gessika Lanzillo de Almeida Nunes, Thoa Thi Vu, So-Youn Jung, Yoon-Jung Choi, Sun-Young Kong. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic value of circular RNAs in triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4647.