Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is acknowledged as one of the most lethal and chemotherapy-resistant forms of cancer, persisting as a fatal tumor despite intensive treatment. However, recent studies have shown that targeting dysregulated microRNAs (miRs) could offer a new and promising strategy to improve outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer. MicroRNAs are a class of small RNA molecules that lack protein-coding ability and play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. The expression levels of several miRNAs are markedly disturbed in comparison to pancreatic tissue that is considered normal. Hence, miRNAs have the potential to either promote carcinogenesis by inducing tumor growth or function as tumor suppressors by impeding tumor formation.The primary microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to pancreatic cancer are the tumor suppressors miR-34a, miR-143, and miR-145, which are down-regulated, and the oncogenes miR-21, miR-221, and miR-222, which are elevated. The miRNAs that have experienced deregulation are the ones that can be employed for therapeutic intervention
Methods: One method entails use antagomirs, which are antisense oligonucleotides, to inhibit the excessive expression of cancer-causing miRNAs. For example, experimental studies have shown that the use of antagomirs to inhibit miR-21 or miR-221/222 can decrease the proliferation, invasion, and resistance to treatment of pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, scientists are studying the potential of synthetic miRNA mimics to reinstate tumor-suppressor miRNAs that have been suppressed or removed. Reintroducing miR-34a, an extensively studied tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer, impedes growth, induces programmed cell death, and increases the responsiveness of cells to chemotherapy treatments.
Results: To enhance the effectiveness of these miRNA-based treatments, they are being assessed alongside conventional treatment methods, such as chemotherapy and targeted medications. Through the simultaneous modulation of many signaling pathways, combination approaches have the capacity to overcome treatment resistance and improve the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Conclusion: Although the use of miRNA as a treatment for pancreatic cancer is still in its early stages, the promising outcomes from preclinical studies and the ongoing clinical trial of the miR-34a mimic MRX34 highlight the potential of utilizing these regulatory RNAs to effectively manage this deadly disease in the future.