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Emerging nanostructure-based strategies for breast cancer therapy: innovations, challenges, and future directions
Saqib Hussain Hadri1, Atiya Riaz2, Jaisha Abid1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Breast cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-associated deaths, is responsible for the majority of cases of cancer in women globally. Traditional therapies used for the treatment of cancer have some challenges such as low cellular absorption, multidrug resistance, and limited bioavailability. Current innovations in nanotechnology, such as nanoliposomes, silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes, provide a promising approach to deal with these limitations. Nanostructures encapsulating anticancer agents such as doxorubicin, curcumin, paclitaxel, erlotinib, and docetaxel enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these agents and promote targeted drug delivery. Curcumin-loaded amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles encapsulating lipids and L-arginine exhibit higher cytotoxicity than free curcumin. Gold nanoparticles can also enhance treatment efficacy by specifically destroying tumor cells when used in photothermal therapy. This review focus on the abilities of nanoparticles to induce oxidative stress, prevent proliferation, and trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. Further research should focus on optimizing these nanoparticles to enhance the targeted drug delivery and address multi-drug resistance. Our review underscores recent developments in nanostructures, their therapeutic potential, and the challenges that need to be addressed for more effective breast cancer treatment.
Insights
Nanoparticles offer a promising approach to overcome limitations in traditional breast cancer treatments, enhancing drug delivery and efficacy. Further research aims to optimize nanostructures for targeted therapy and combat drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with traditional therapies facing challenges like poor drug absorption and resistance.
- Nanotechnology presents innovative solutions, utilizing nanostructures like nanoliposomes, silver nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles to improve cancer treatment.
- These nanostructures can encapsulate anticancer agents, enhancing their efficacy and enabling targeted drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in nanostructures for breast cancer treatment.
- To highlight the potential of nanoparticles in inducing oxidative stress, inhibiting proliferation, and triggering apoptosis in cancer cells.
- To discuss challenges and future research directions for optimizing nanoparticle-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanotechnology applications in breast cancer therapy.
- Analysis of various nanostructures (nanoliposomes, silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes) and their mechanisms.
- Examination of nanoparticle-encapsulated chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin, curcumin, paclitaxel, erlotinib, docetaxel).
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents and promote targeted drug delivery.
- Specific examples include curcumin-loaded amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles showing higher cytotoxicity and gold nanoparticles used in photothermal therapy.
- Nanoparticles demonstrate potential in inducing oxidative stress, preventing proliferation, and triggering apoptosis in cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for overcoming limitations in traditional breast cancer treatments.
- Optimizing nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and addressing multidrug resistance are crucial for future development.
- Further research is essential to fully realize the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles in combating breast cancer effectively.
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