On 6 February 2026, the VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) hosted the doctoral thesis defence for researcher Huỳnh Hữu Luân, specialising in Human and Animal Physiology (Class of 2020). The research, titled “Investigating the correlation between plasma microRNA expression and breast cancer status in Vietnamese patients,” was conducted under the academic supervision of Associate Professor Nguyễn Thị Huệ.

Breast cancer remains a prevalent malignancy among women, characterised by high morbidity and mortality rates. Within Vietnam, numerous cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, which significantly hinders treatment efficacy. Addressing this clinical challenge, the thesis focuses on microRNAs—genetic regulators at the forefront of modern biomedicine—to identify potential biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis and analysis through plasma samples.

By synthesising global datasets and international scientific publications, the candidate selected candidate microRNAs and developed an optimised quantification protocol using the Stem-loop RT-qPCR method. Findings revealed that 17 microRNAs correlate with breast cancer in Vietnamese women. Within this group, specific microRNA clusters were linked to critical biological pathways, including cell proliferation, the regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and metastasis, and the control of cancer stem cells. Notably, miR-30d-5p and miR-200c-3p emerged as signature microRNAs, demonstrating the potential to serve as primary biomarkers for breast cancer analysis.

Furthermore, the thesis successfully established 27 quantification protocols for plasma microRNA with high specificity, stability, and reliability. This work provides a methodological foundation for future research and paves the way for the development of minimally invasive liquid biopsy assays in Viet Nam.

The Examination Board concluded that the thesis rests upon a rigorous scientific foundation, employs appropriate research methodologies, and presents reliable results with significant value for advanced biomedical research. The Board formally approved the thesis, confirming that the work meets the doctoral requirements of HCMUS.