Advances in the study of the breast carcinoma exosomal microRNAs: from basic mechanisms to clinical applications (Review)

Breast carcinoma remains a major global health burden requiring innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Exosomal miRNAs have emerged as key factors in breast carcinoma that influence tumor progression, metastasis and treatment resistance. Recent studies have elucidated their mechanisms of action, including their roles in regulating oncogenic and tumor‑suppressive pathways, modulating the tumor microenvironment and promoting chemo‑resistance. Advances in miRNA‑based therapies such as miRNA mimics and inhibitors have shown promise in combination treatments, enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, exosomal miRNAs play a role in breast carcinoma calcification, offering novel insights into tumor progression. Unlike previous reviews that focus on a single function or therapeutic potential of miRNAs, the present review systematically integrated the multilevel role of exosomal miRNAs in breast cancer from the two dimensions of oncogenicity and tumor inhibition and the regulatory mechanism of breast carcinoma calcification and proposes that the exosomal miRNA calcification axis may be a key link connecting tumor metabolism and pathological calcification. Despite the potential of miRNAs, challenges remain in optimizing exosome isolation techniques and standardizing miRNA detection methods for clinical applications. Future research should focus on refining miRNA‑based liquid biopsies, developing delivery systems that target exosomes to enhance therapeutic efficacy and early detection strategies and ultimately improving patient survival and quality of life. The present review comprehensively explored the roles of exosomal miRNAs and highlighted their importance in breast carcinoma research. The present review illustrated the potential of exosomal miRNAs as non‑invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets in precision medicine.