Potential of miRNAs in cervical cancer chemoresistance

Abstract

Worldwide, cervical cancer is a common gynecological malignancy. Although chemotherapy is a common therapeutic approach, resistance to anti-cancer drugs is still known as a major problem. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that therapeutic resistance, which leads to relapse and mortality in patients might be due to genetic and epigenetic alterations. MiRNAs have been reported to contribute to drug sensitivity and resistance in various types of tumors as well as cervical cancer. Identification of these specific miRNAs and their targets is essential for understanding their roles in chemoresistance. Moreover, alteration of miRNA expression such as using miRNA mimics or antagomiRs, before or during cancer treatment can provide valuable therapeutic benefits. This comprehensive review was conducted to summarize the miRNAs involved in chemoresistance and sensitivity in cervical cancer. Furthermore, we presented the impact of molecular mechanisms involving these miRNAs, suggesting miRNA-based treatments as a novel strategy to overcome chemoresistance in cervical cancer.