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Updated: Jun 22, 2025

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Recent Progress of Multifunctional Molecular Probes for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Theranostics
Deyi Zhao1,2, Zhe Li1,2, Ding-Kun Ji2
1School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer (BC) poses a significant threat to women's health, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) representing one of the most challenging and aggressive subtypes due to the lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Traditional TNBC treatments often encounter issues such as low drug efficiency, limited tumor enrichment, and substantial side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to explore novel diagnostic and treatment systems for TNBC. Multifunctional molecular probes (MMPs), which integrate target recognition as well as diagnostic and therapeutic functions, introduce advanced molecular tools for TNBC theranostics. Using an MMP system, molecular drugs can be precisely delivered to the tumor site through a targeted ligand. Real-time dynamic monitoring of drug release achieved using imaging technology allows for the evaluation of drug enrichment at the tumor site. This approach enables accurate drug release, thereby improving the therapeutic effect. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advancements in MMPs for TNBC theranostics, encompassing the design and synthesis of MMPs as well as their applications in the field of TNBC theranostics.
Insights
Multifunctional molecular probes (MMPs) offer advanced theranostics for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). These probes enable targeted drug delivery and real-time monitoring, improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects for this aggressive cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking ER, PR, and HER2 expression.
- Conventional TNBC treatments face challenges including low drug efficiency, poor tumor targeting, and significant side effects.
- Novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are essential for improving TNBC patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in multifunctional molecular probes (MMPs) for TNBC theranostics.
- To explore the design, synthesis, and applications of MMPs in TNBC diagnosis and therapy.
- To highlight the potential of MMPs in overcoming limitations of traditional TNBC treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on MMPs for TNBC theranostics.
- Analysis of MMP design strategies incorporating target recognition, imaging, and therapeutic functions.
- Evaluation of MMP applications in drug delivery, tumor imaging, and therapeutic efficacy assessment.
Main Results:
- MMPs integrate target recognition, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities for precise TNBC theranostics.
- Targeted ligands facilitate MMP-mediated drug delivery to tumor sites.
- Imaging technologies enable real-time monitoring of drug release and tumor enrichment.
- MMPs demonstrate potential for improved drug delivery accuracy and enhanced therapeutic effects.
Conclusions:
- MMPs represent a promising approach for advanced TNBC theranostics.
- The integration of targeting, imaging, and therapy in MMPs addresses key challenges in TNBC treatment.
- Further research into MMPs can lead to more effective and personalized strategies for managing triple-negative breast cancer.

