Prognostic role of miR-190, miR-221, and miR-381 in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

S. Matsas, A. Ruiz Simões, P. Nazareth Aguiar Jr, Y. Abdou, H. Krontiras, A. del Giglio

Centro de Estudos de Hematologia e Oncologia, Santo André, SP, Brazil. silviom08@hotmail.com

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• Oncology

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Conventional prognostic tools may not fully capture disease outcomes. MicroRNA (miR) expression has emerged as a potential prognostic factor, though findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the prognostic role of miR-190, miR-221, and miR-381 in predicting overall survival (OS) among breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus identified relevant studies. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the relationship between miR expression and OS. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS: Four studies on miR-221, four on miR-190, and three on miR-381 met inclusion criteria. High miR-190 expression was significantly associated with improved OS (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.47-0.84), as was miR-381 (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52-0.79). No significant association was found between miR-221 expression and OS (HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.86-1.46). Subgroup analysis reinforced these findings, and Newcastle-Ottawa scale assessment indicated low publication bias in 10 out of 11.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated miR-190 and miR-381 levels are associated with improved OS in breast cancer, whereas the prognostic role of miR-221 remains unclear. These findings underscore the potential of miR-190 and miR-381 as prognostic biomarkers.

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