Engineered nanomaterials as an effective tool for HER2+ breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer in women, with a high morbidity rate. The human epidermal growth factor receptor HER2 is a growth-promoting protein that is overexpressed in 15-20% of breast cancers (HER2+ BCs) and is often associated with clinically aggressive disease. Targeting this oncogene has resulted in significant improvements in survival outcomes for HER2+ BC patients. Several HER2-targeted therapies are currently available, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates. These therapeutics have improved clinical outcomes in HER2+ BC patients with metastatic disease, increasing the median overall survival (OS) rate. Despite these advancements, there are still many challenges to overcome. In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the use of engineered nanomaterials as efficient cancer therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the application of nanomaterials in HER2+ BC therapy using selected examples.