Molecular Targeted Therapy for Chronic Non-Bacterial Mastitis: New Insights into Pathophysiology and Therapeutic...

Chronic Non-bacterial Mastitis (CNBM) is a benign and heterogeneous breast disease whose etiology is not yet fully understood and primarily includes plasma cell mastitis and idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. Its management is challenged by limited therapeutic choices, poor treatment outcomes, and considerable adverse effects. The emergence of molecular targeted therapy has presented new alternatives and hope for the treatment of this condition. The marked dysregulation of critical inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and MAPK, observed during the onset and progression of CNBM, suggests that molecular agents targeting these signaling cascades may hold therapeutic promise. While preclinical studies in animal models have validated the effectiveness of agents such as pathway inhibitors, clinical evidence is still largely confined to case reports and inferences drawn from other autoimmune diseases. A distinct research gap in the molecular targeted treatment of CNBM persists, owing to the absence of large-scale randomized controlled trials. Advancements in future research will hinge on a multi-pronged approach: utilizing multi-omics methods to establish molecular classifications for precision medicine; designing novel, high-selectivity molecular inhibitors and exploring possibilities for drug repurposing; and studying combined therapeutic regimens to improve efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and sustained investigation, these initiatives are designed to deliver more effective and safer therapeutic solutions for patients, with the ultimate goal of ameliorating the clinical prognosis of this challenging disease and improving their quality of life.