Exploring the efficacy and mechanisms of exemestane-loaded nanoparticles in targeted breast cancer therapy

Exemestane (EXE), an irreversible aromatase inhibitor, is a well-established therapeutic agent for the management of estrogen receptor-positive (ER⁺) breast cancer. Despite its proven clinical benefits, its broader therapeutic potential is limited by factors such as poor bioavailability, short plasma half-life, and undesirable off-target effects. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced promising strategies to address these limitations. Encapsulating EXE within nanoparticles (NPs) offers a novel platform to improve drug delivery, enhance tumor targeting, and optimize therapeutic efficacy. Various NP systems including lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic carriers have been investigated for EXE encapsulation and delivery. These nanoformulations confer multiple advantages, such as improved solubility, sustained and controlled release, and selective delivery to malignant cells. The presented review examines the in vitro and in vivo evidence supporting the superior anticancer performance of EXE-loaded NPs, alongside their potential to overcome key challenges in breast cancer therapy. In addition, safety profiles, translational potential, and future perspectives for integrating EXE NPs into precision medicine approaches are discussed, offering insights into their application in combination with conventional treatment regimens for improved breast cancer management.