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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
HER2 targeting as a two-sided strategy for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment: Outlook and recent implications in
Miriam Colombo1, Fabio Corsi, Diego Foschi
1Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
Abstract:
At present, mammary carcinoma is the second most common type of malignant tumor in adult women after lung cancer, as more than one million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, which have resulted in a decrease in mortality in recent decades, breast cancer remains a major public health problem. One of the most significant unresolved clinical and scientific problems is the occurrence of resistance to clinical treatments and their toxicity (and how to predict, prevent and overcome them). However, the heterogeneity of human breast cancer in terms of genetic features, molecular profiles and clinical behavior represents a constraint obstructing the discovery of a solution to the disease. It is currently considered that the chances of success of therapy may increase if the tumor cells are selectively removed before they can evolve to their mature stages up to metastases production. Therefore, novel and more sensitive diagnostic tools are being developed, with the aim of improving the early and noninvasive detection of rising malignancies and the accuracy of tumor tissue localization. Meanwhile, there is an emerging use of targeted therapies in oncology, depending on the expression of specific proteins or genes present in tumor cells. Among the molecular targets considered for the treatment of breast cancer cells so far, we chose to focus on examples involving overexpression and/or gene amplification of "Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2" (HER2) protein. In current studies, various types of nanoparticles conjugated with the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, the so-called "trastuzumab", are investigated extensively due to promising results in biological and preclinical applications aimed at improving the treatment of breast cancer. In this paper, we present a critical review of the preparation and use of different kinds of trastuzumab-functionalized nanoparticles, with an emphasis on the therapeutic and diagnostic (theranostic) potential of this generation of hybrid nanoparticles, exploiting the multifaceted mechanisms of action of trastuzumab against malignant cells.
Insights
Breast cancer treatment faces challenges from drug resistance and toxicity. This review explores trastuzumab-functionalized nanoparticles for targeted HER2-positive breast cancer therapy and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women, with treatment resistance and toxicity posing significant challenges.
- Tumor heterogeneity complicates therapeutic strategies, necessitating novel approaches for early detection and targeted intervention.
- The Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) protein is a key target in specific breast cancer subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the preparation and application of trastuzumab-functionalized nanoparticles for breast cancer treatment.
- To emphasize the theranostic potential of these hybrid nanoparticles in targeting HER2-positive malignancies.
- To explore the multifaceted mechanisms of trastuzumab in combating breast cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on trastuzumab-conjugated nanoparticles.
- Analysis of preclinical and biological studies involving these nanomedicines.
- Evaluation of therapeutic and diagnostic applications in HER2-positive breast cancer models.
Main Results:
- Trastuzumab-functionalized nanoparticles show promising results in preclinical settings for breast cancer.
- These nanoparticles offer potential for targeted drug delivery and enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
- The combination of nanoparticles with trastuzumab provides a theranostic approach to exploit HER2 targeting.
Conclusions:
- Trastuzumab-functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising advancement in the theranostic management of HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Further research into their preparation and application can lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced toxicity.
- Exploiting nanoparticle-antibody conjugates offers a strategic advantage in overcoming treatment resistance and improving patient care.
