The functions of circular RNAs and long noncoding RNAs in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis. The rising incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in recent years underscores the need for new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become important research focuses in oncology, including in CCA. The specific expression patterns of circRNAs and lncRNAs has been associated with unfavorable clinicopathological features in CCA. CircRNAs and lncRNAs play crucial roles in the occurrence, development, and drug resistance of CCA through various mechanisms. This review primarily focuses on exploring the biological roles and pathways of these non-coding RNAs in CCA. Additionally, we examine the practical implications and feasibility of using circRNAs and lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers, while also exploring their potential as therapeutic targets for CCA.