Unveiling Pharmacogenomics Insights into Circular RNAs: Toward Precision Medicine in Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Pharmacogenomics is revolutionizing precision medicine by enabling tailored therapeutic strategies based on an individual genetic and molecular profile. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a distinct subclass of endogenous non-coding RNAs, have recently emerged as key regulators of drug resistance, tumor progression, and therapeutic responses. Their covalently closed circular structure provides exceptional stability and resistance to exonuclease degradation, positioning them as reliable biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets in cancer management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between circRNAs and pharmacogenomics, focusing on their role in modulating drug metabolism, therapeutic efficacy, and toxicity profiles. We examine how circRNA-mediated regulatory networks influence chemotherapy resistance, alter targeted therapy responses, and impact immunotherapy outcomes. Additionally, we discuss emerging experimental tools and bioinformatics techniques for studying circRNAs, including multi-omics integration, machine learning-driven biomarker discovery, and high-throughput sequencing technologies. Beyond their diagnostic potential, circRNAs are being actively explored as therapeutic agents and drug delivery vehicles. Recent advancements in circRNA-based vaccines, engineered CAR-T cells, and synthetic circRNA therapeutics highlight their transformative potential in oncology. Furthermore, we address the challenges of standardization, reproducibility, and clinical translation, emphasizing the need for rigorous biomarker validation and regulatory frameworks to facilitate their integration into clinical practice. By incorporating circRNA profiling into pharmacogenomic strategies, this review underscores a paradigm shift toward highly personalized cancer therapies. circRNAs hold immense potential to overcome drug resistance, enhance treatment efficacy, and optimize patient outcomes, marking a significant advancement in precision oncology.