Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Recent advances in nanotheranostics for triple negative breast cancer treatment
Vikram Thakur1, Rajaletchumy Veloo Kutty2,3
1Department of Virology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most complex and aggressive type of breast cancer encountered world widely in women. Absence of hormonal receptors on breast cancer cells necessitates the chemotherapy as the only treatment regime. High propensity to metastasize and relapse in addition to poor prognosis and survival motivated the oncologist, nano-medical scientist to develop novel and efficient nanotherapies to solve such a big TNBC challenge. Recently, the focus for enhanced availability, targeted cellular uptake with minimal toxicity is achieved by nano-carriers. These smart nano-carriers carrying all the necessary arsenals (drugs, tracking probe, and ligand) designed in such a way that specifically targets the TNBC cells at site. Articulating the targeted delivery system with multifunctional molecules for high specificity, tracking, diagnosis, and treatment emerged as theranostic approach. In this review, in addition to classical treatment modalities, recent advances in nanotheranostics for early and effective diagnostic and treatment is discussed. This review highlighted the recently FDA approved immunotherapy and all the ongoing clinical trials for TNBC, in addition to nanoparticle assisted immunotherapy. Futuristic but realistic advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning not only improve early diagnosis but also assist clinicians for their workup in TNBC. The novel concept of Nanoparticles induced endothelial leakiness (NanoEL) as a way of tumor invasion is also discussed in addition to classical EPR effect. This review intends to provide basic insight and understanding of the novel nano-therapeutic modalities in TNBC diagnosis and treatment and to sensitize the readers for continue designing the novel nanomedicine. This is the first time that designing nanoparticles with stoichiometric definable number of antibodies per nanoparticle now represents the next level of precision by design in nanomedicine.
Insights
Novel nanotherapies offer targeted treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive cancer subtype. These nanocarriers improve drug delivery and diagnosis, enhancing patient outcomes and survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking hormonal receptors, necessitating chemotherapy.
- High metastasis and relapse rates in TNBC underscore the need for advanced therapeutic strategies.
- Current treatments face challenges, driving research into novel nanotherapies for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in nanotheranostics for early diagnosis and effective treatment of TNBC.
- To highlight nanoparticle-assisted immunotherapies and ongoing clinical trials for TNBC.
- To discuss emerging concepts like Nanoparticles induced endothelial leakiness (NanoEL) and precision nanomedicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanomedicine applications in TNBC.
- Analysis of nanocarrier design for targeted delivery, diagnosis, and therapy.
- Exploration of theranostic approaches combining diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Discussion of immunotherapy, AI, and machine learning in TNBC management.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers enhance drug availability, cellular uptake, and minimize toxicity in TNBC treatment.
- Theranostic nanomedicine enables targeted delivery, tracking, diagnosis, and treatment of TNBC.
- Nanoparticle-assisted immunotherapy and FDA-approved immunotherapies show promise for TNBC.
- Precision nanomedicine, including stoichiometric antibody design, represents a new level of targeted therapy.
Conclusions:
- Nanotheranostics offer significant potential for early diagnosis and effective treatment of TNBC.
- Advancements in nanoparticle design and immunotherapy are crucial for overcoming TNBC challenges.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a vital role in TNBC diagnosis and clinical management.
- Continued research into novel nanomedicines is essential for improving outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer.
