Long noncoding RNAs in female malignancies: critical review of molecular mechanisms, clinical gaps, and therapeutic perspectives.

The most frequent malignancies affecting women are cervical, breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, which account for the majority of cancer-related deaths among women in both developed and developing nations. These cancers exhibit high aggressiveness due to their invasive and metastatic potential. Consequently, it is crucial to investigate the mechanisms underlying female cancers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that regulate gene expression without encoding proteins. LncRNAs modulate gene expression by interacting with proteins, modifying transcription, and influencing cellular pathways, thereby regulating a variety of biological processes. It has been recognized that lncRNAs play a major role in the initiation and development of several human cancers, including lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers, as well as other pathological processes that significantly impact the prognosis and survival of cancer patients. Furthermore, the distinct expression patterns of lncRNAs across numerous cancer types significantly increase their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review explores the role of lncRNAs in female malignancies to provide a solid foundation for future research on the prevention and treatment of female-oriented cancers. The potential significance of lncRNAs as biomarkers and targets for medical therapies is also discussed.