Targeting the transferrin receptor in breast cancer: nanotechnology-based drug delivery strategies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanomedicine
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Breast cancer poses significant global health challenges, with current treatments limited by toxicity and resistance.
• Nanotechnology offers enhanced therapeutic precision via targeted delivery to tumor cells.
• Transferrin receptor (TfR) overexpression in breast cancer makes it a key target for receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in transferrin-functionalized nanocarriers for breast cancer therapy.
• To discuss critical design parameters for optimizing nanocarrier performance.
• To explore challenges and future directions in targeted nanomedicine for breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of nanocarrier platforms (liposomal, polymeric, etc.) targeting TfR.
• Analysis of key design factors: particle size, surface charge, ligand density, release kinetics.
• Examination of multifunctional, stimuli-responsive systems, and the role of gut microbiota.

Main Results:

• Transferrin-functionalized nanocarriers demonstrate potential for improved breast cancer treatment.
• Design parameters significantly influence cellular uptake, biodistribution, and efficacy.
• Multifunctional and stimuli-responsive systems show promise in overcoming tumor microenvironment barriers and drug resistance.

Conclusions:

• Transferrin-targeted nanomedicine is a promising strategy for breast cancer therapy.
• Optimizing nanocarrier design and considering factors like gut microbiota are crucial for translational success.
• Personalized and microbiome-informed approaches represent future directions for enhanced therapeutic precision.