Therapeutic Resistance in Cervical Cancer: Long Non-coding RNAs Hold the Key
Uncovering the Hidden Cause of Therapeutic Resistance
Cervical cancer remains a significant clinical challenge, with many patients developing resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, despite advances in early detection. This review sheds light on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in mediating therapeutic resistance. ## Mechanisms of lncRNA-Mediated Resistance lncRNAs act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), sponging tumor-suppressive microRNAs and leading to the hyperactivation of key signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and Wnt/ฮฒ-catenin. Research has elucidated the specific mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate this process. ## Novel Therapeutic Strategies and Diagnostic Approaches The study proposes the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and CRISPR-based tools to precisely inhibit lncRNAs, as well as the potential for lncRNAs to serve as non-invasive biomarkers detectable in patient serum or plasma. This approach may overcome the limitations of existing treatments. ## Future Clinical Applications Targeting lncRNAs may significantly reduce therapeutic resistance and recurrence rates in cervical cancer patients. We anticipate the rapid development of clinical trials and personalized treatment protocols.
Despite significant advances in preventive and early-detection strategies, cervical cancer (CC) continues to pose a substantial clinical burden, especially when confronting the challenge of therapy-resistant or recurrent disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in the development and progression of CC, particularly in mediating resistance to conventional and emerging therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes how specific lncRNAs drive therapeutic resistance through diverse mechanisms such as acting as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to sponge tumor-suppressive microRNAs, and by modulating key signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt and Wnt/ฮฒ-catenin. Furthermore, we discuss the significant potential of lncRNAs as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, detectable in liquid biopsies from patient serum or plasma, and as novel therapeutic targets. Advances in targeted strategies have primarily focused on the implementation of precise degradation or interference through antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and CRISPR-based systems, highlighting the translational potential of lncRNAs in overcoming refractory therapeutic resistance. Collectively, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in CC therapeutic resistance, offering critical insights that may accelerate the translation of lncRNA-based strategies into clinically actionable interventions to improve patient outcomes in therapy-resistant CC.
This research addresses the suffering and financial burden of cervical cancer patients who do not respond well to treatment. If successful, it may lead to more effective personalized treatments, significantly improving patient outcomes.