Triple-negative breast cancer brain metastasis: An update on druggable targets, current clinical trials, and future

Maryam Nakhjavani1, Rasika M Samarasinghe1, Sarah Shigdar1

  • 1School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia.

Drug Discovery Today
|February 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Treating triple-negative breast cancer brain metastasis (TNBC-BM) is difficult due to a lack of targeted therapies and poor drug delivery to the brain. This review explores new drug targets and delivery systems to improve outcomes for TNBC-BM patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer brain metastasis (TNBC-BM) presents significant therapeutic challenges.
  • Current treatments for TNBC-BM have high toxicity and limited efficacy.
  • Effective drug delivery to the brain remains a major hurdle in treating TNBC-BM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current therapeutic strategies targeting molecular drivers in TNBC-BM.
  • To explore advanced drug delivery systems for enhanced brain penetration.
  • To identify ongoing clinical trials and future directions for TNBC-BM treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current drugs, molecular targets, and drug delivery systems for TNBC-BM.
  • Analysis of ongoing clinical trials for druggable targets in TNBC-BM.
  • Discussion of obstacles and strategies for improving drug delivery to the brain.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key molecular targets for TNBC-BM therapy.
  • Evaluation of novel drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles and other advanced formulations.
  • Overview of promising clinical trials investigating targeted therapies for TNBC-BM.

Conclusions:

  • Developing targeted therapies and improving brain drug delivery are crucial for advancing TNBC-BM treatment.
  • Further research into efficient drug delivery systems and clinical trials for novel targets is essential.
  • Enhanced strategies are needed to overcome the blood-brain barrier and improve patient outcomes in TNBC-BM.