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Updated: May 7, 2025

Monitoring of Nanodrug Accumulation in Murine Breast Cancer Metastases
Published on: August 23, 2024
Targeted Nanoprobes Enabled Precision Theranostics in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Ke Ma1, Meng Yin1, Ke-Zheng Chen1
1Lab of Functional and Biomedical Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST), Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a highly aggressive and prognostically unfavorable subtype of breast cancer, characterized by the absence of common hormone receptors, which renders conventional therapies largely ineffective. This review comprehensively examines the molecular and clinical characteristics of TNBC, underscoring the substantial challenges inherent in its treatment and the innovative potential of targeted nanoprobes in advancing both diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms. Through the modification of targeting molecules, nanoprobes can deliver therapeutic agents highly specific to TNBC cells, thus significantly improving the sensitivity of diagnostic modalities and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Our discussion systematically explores the application of various targeting molecules and their advantages and limitations. In addition, this review presents a series of multifunctional targeted nanoprobes that are designed to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic functions, thus providing a synergistic approach to the treatment of TNBC. These advanced nanoprobes enable precise tumor localization while monitoring the therapeutic response in real time, thus facilitating a more personalized and dynamic treatment regimen. The major obstacles encountered during clinical translation are discussed in detail. The use of targeted nanoprobes represents a major leap forward in personalized medicine for TNBC, and current research efforts will continue to refine these technologies to improve clinical applicability.
Insights
Targeted nanoprobes offer a promising new approach for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by delivering therapies specifically to cancer cells. This personalized medicine strategy improves diagnosis and treatment efficacy for this aggressive cancer subtype.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking common hormone receptors, making conventional therapies ineffective.
- Significant challenges exist in treating TNBC, necessitating innovative therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular and clinical aspects of TNBC.
- To explore the potential of targeted nanoprobes for improved diagnosis and therapy of TNBC.
- To discuss the application, advantages, and limitations of various targeting molecules in nanoprobes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing literature on TNBC and targeted nanoprobes.
- Systematic exploration of different targeting molecules and their efficacy.
- Analysis of multifunctional nanoprobes for combined diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Targeted nanoprobes can deliver agents specifically to TNBC cells, enhancing diagnostic sensitivity and therapeutic efficacy.
- Multifunctional nanoprobes enable precise tumor localization and real-time monitoring of therapeutic response.
- Various targeting molecules show potential, each with distinct advantages and limitations.
Conclusions:
- Targeted nanoprobes represent a significant advancement in personalized medicine for TNBC.
- Ongoing research aims to refine these nanotechnologies for broader clinical application.
- Overcoming clinical translation obstacles is crucial for widespread adoption.

