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Updated: Sep 29, 2025
Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Recent advances in nanoscale targeted therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer
Yadollah Omidi1, Maha Mobasher1, Ana M Castejon1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is considered as the second major cause of death among women with a high mortality rate worldwide. The exceptionally fast rate of metastasis, the emergence of drug-resistant mechanisms, and the occurrence of inadvertent side effects by cytotoxic chemotherapies often make conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments ineffective. Similar to other solid tumours, breast cancer can develop unique cellular and molecular characteristics forming an atypical permissive tumour microenvironment (TME). Due to the unique features of TME, cancer cells can further proliferate and coadapt with the stromal cells and evade immunosurveillance. Breast cancer cells aberrantly abundantly express various pieces of molecular machinery (the so-called oncomarkers) in favour of their survival, progression, metastasis, and further invasion. Such overexpressed oncomarkers can be exploited in the detection and targeted therapy of cancer. Among breast cancer oncomarkers, epidermal growth factor receptors, particularly HER2, are considered as clinically valid molecular targets not only for the thorough diagnosis but also for the targeted therapy of the disease using different conventional and advanced nanoscale treatment modalities. This review aims to elaborate on the recent advances in terms of targeted therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer, and discuss various types of multifunctional nanomedicines/theranostics, and antibody-/aptamer-drug conjugates.
Insights
This review explores advanced targeted therapies for HER2-positive breast cancer, focusing on novel nanomedicines and drug conjugates to overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women, often characterized by rapid metastasis and drug resistance.
- Conventional therapies face limitations due to treatment resistance and side effects, necessitating novel approaches.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer promotes cancer cell survival, proliferation, and immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer.
- To discuss the role of oncomarkers, specifically HER2, as therapeutic targets.
- To explore the application of nanomedicines and drug conjugates in HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on HER2-positive breast cancer targeted therapy.
- Analysis of nanomedicine and theranostic approaches.
- Examination of antibody- and aptamer-drug conjugates for cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- HER2 is a validated molecular target for diagnosis and therapy in breast cancer.
- Nanomedicines and theranostics offer multifunctional treatment modalities.
- Drug conjugates show promise in delivering targeted therapies and overcoming resistance.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies, particularly those focusing on HER2, are crucial for managing breast cancer.
- Nanotechnology-based approaches and drug conjugates represent promising strategies for enhancing treatment efficacy.
- Further research into multifunctional nanomedicines can improve outcomes for HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
