Unravelling the therapeutic potential of forkhead box proteins in breast cancer: An update (Review)

Breast cancer, a prominent cause of mortality among women, develops from abnormal growth of breast tissue, thereby rendering it one of the most commonly detected cancers in the female population. Although numerous treatment strategies are available for breast cancer, discordance in terms of effective treatment and response still exists. Recently, the potential of signaling pathways and transcription factors has gained substantial attention in the cancer community; therefore, understanding their role will assist researchers in comprehending the onset and advancement of breast cancer. Forkhead box (FOX) proteins, which are important transcription factors, are considered crucial regulators of various cellular activities, including cell division and proliferation. The present study explored several subclasses of FOX proteins and their possible role in breast carcinogenesis, followed by the interaction between microRNA (miRNA) and FOX proteins. This interaction is implicated in promoting cell infiltration into surrounding tissues, ultimately leading to metastasis. The various roles that FOX proteins play in breast cancer development, their intricate relationships with miRNA, and their involvement in therapeutic resistance highlight the complexity of breast cancer dynamics. Therefore, recognizing the progress and challenges in current treatments is crucial because, despite advancements, persistent disparities in treatment effectiveness underscore the need for ongoing research, with future studies emphasizing the necessity for targeted strategies that account for the multifaceted aspects of breast cancer.