Nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems for breast cancer: A review

Breast cancer (BC) remains a global health challenge, with treatment limitations from systemic toxicity, poor drug bioavailability, and multidrug resistance (MDR). Recent advancements in nanotechnology have revolutionized drug delivery systems (DDS), offering targeted, controlled, and synergistic therapeutic strategies. This review explores cutting-edge micro- and nanocarriers, including liposomes (Lips), nanoparticles (NPs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), exosomes and nanofibers (NFs)-designed to optimize the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. Key design parameters are critically analyzed for their roles in optimizing drug encapsulation, tumor specificity, and biocompatibility. We highlight innovations in carrier engineering that enable biological modulation. Furthermore, co-delivery systems combining chemotherapy drugs with siRNA, P-glycoprotein inhibitors, or photothermal agents demonstrate remarkable success in reversing MDR in vitro and in vivo. Despite progress, challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, long-term carrier safety, and cost-effectiveness require further investigation. This review underscores the transformative potential of nanotechnology-driven DDS in precision oncology, paving the way for next-generation therapies to combat breast BC.